This exhibit explores the story of citizen action taken against an environmental danger. Lead exposure can cause neurological problems and sometimes even death; yet this metal has been pervasive in many aspects of American life for over a century. Historically, mining, battery manufacturing, smelting, and enameling industries included lead in their production processes, impacting factory workers and consumers. Manufacturers added lead to household paints and gasoline, endangering the health of families and polluting the air through exhaust fumes. To protect themselves against the dangers of lead poisoning, scientists, families, and individuals opposed industries, housing authorities, and elected officials.
Online resources are available to read further and learn more:
- Exhibit website from the National Library of Medicine, who produced this exhibition and companion website
- Lead Poisoning Information from MedLinePlus.gov
- Lead – Environmental Topic from the Environmental Protection Agency
- Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
- Get the Lead out Pittsburgh local public awareness campaign
- Lead Poisoning Health Impacts from Women for a Healthy Environment
- Allegheny County Elevated Blood Lead Level Rates from the Western Pennsylvania Regional Data Center
Presented by the Health Sciences Library System
Location and Address
In-person @ Falk Library, Alan Magee Scaife Hall