The childhood lead poisoning epidemic in historical perspective. Issue 2 (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Markowitz, Gerald
• Is Part Of: Endeavour. Volume 40:Issue 2(2016:Jun.)
• Page Start: 93
• Page End: 101
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: Science -- Periodicals; Science -- History -- Periodicals; 509.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.endeavour.2016.03.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0160-9327

Abstract

Highlights: A hidden epidemic is poisoning our planet and its people. The toxins are in the air we breathe and the water we drink, in the walls of our homes and the furniture within them. For most of the twentieth century lead was tested on children and it produced one of the largest and longest running epidemics in United States' history. For the past decade lawsuits by representatives of children poisoned by lead against the lead industry have highlighted the terrible impact of this history of victim blaming. Abstract: A hidden epidemic is poisoning our planet and its people. The toxins are in the air we breathe and in the water we drink, in the walls of our homes and the furniture has it within them. We cannot escape as it is so indispensable in our cars. It is ubiquitous in cities and the countryside. It afflicts rich and poor, young and old. But this testing of chemicals on human beings is not new. For most of the twentieth century lead was tested on children and it produced one of the largest and longest running epidemics in the history of United States. This article examines that history.