Marquette will host “This Lead is Killing Us: A History of Citizens Fighting Lead Poisoning in their Communities,” which explores how citizens, scientists and medical professionals have confronted industry to protect their health against the dangers of lead poisoning, beginning March 10 and running through April 19 at Raynor Library. Lead exposure can cause neurological problems, even death — especially in children. Despite this, the metal has been pervasive in many aspects of life in Milwaukee and the rest of the United States for more than a century. Many industries added lead to their manufacturing processes and products, endangering their workers and putting communities at risk through polluted air, contaminated water and paint dust.
“This Lead is Killing Us” is produced by the National Library of Medicine and features photographs, advertisements, newspaper articles, official reports and other materials that reveal how and when lead has hurt Americans’ health and shines a light on milestone civic actions that have protected communities against this environmental danger.
The National Library of Medicine offers a variety of online companion materials:
This exhibit is free and open to the public during the library’s regular visitor hours.
