Lead Out: The Little-Known History of the Lead Industry

As with asbestos and cigarettes, this history of the lead industry follows a familiar course. Was Flint, Michigan the first drinking water crisis? No. The same thing happened in Washington, D.C. more than 10 years prior. So why do so many communities have lead pipes? Why were so many homes painted with lead paint?

Even the Romans learned that lead was not safe. But science, when confronted by an industry that was powerful and profitable, lost out.

By 1929, the Lead Industries Association, well aware of the harm, aggressively promoted the use of lead. David Rosner documented the phenomenon in his 2013 book Lead Wars.

The lead industry did everything in a pattern of denial, much like the cigarette industry did more recently. The lead industry even fought to make permanent building code requirements for use of lead. Hence, by 1900, 40 of America’s 50 largest cities had lead pipes. In 1938, the Lead Association bragged that it had successfully blocked ordinances and regulations that would have reduced or limited the use of lead.

It wasn’t until the 1970s that lead’s danger to children caused the federal government to ban lead paint. And in 1986, they finally banned lead pipes. 

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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