The National Guard Knows Its Armories Have Dangerous Lead Contamination, Putting Kids and Soldiers At Risk
For years, the Army National Guard has been aware of the presence of poisonous lead dust at armories open to the public. This shocking revelation comes from an investigation conducted by Intercept, which has shed light on the alarming situation that has been kept hidden from the public eye.
Lead is a highly toxic metal that can cause serious health problems, especially in children and pregnant women. Exposure to lead can lead to developmental delays, learning disabilities, and even death. And yet, the National Guard has done little to address this issue, putting both children and soldiers at risk.
The Intercept’s investigation found that the National Guard has been aware of the lead contamination in its armories since at least 2010. In fact, a report from the National Guard Bureau’s Environmental Management Division stated that “lead dust levels in some armories were high enough to pose a health risk to children and pregnant women.” This report was shared with state National Guard units, but no action was taken to address the issue.
The lack of action from the National Guard is particularly concerning because many of these armories are open to the public, with events such as community meetings, youth programs, and even weddings being held in these facilities. This means that not only are soldiers at risk, but also innocent civilians, including children who are most vulnerable to the effects of lead poisoning.
The Intercept’s investigation also revealed that the National Guard has not been conducting regular testing for lead contamination in its armories. This is despite the fact that the Environmental Protection Agency recommends testing every three to five years. Without regular testing, it is impossible to know the extent of the lead contamination and take necessary measures to protect the public.
The National Guard’s lack of action and transparency on this issue is unacceptable. It is the responsibility of the National Guard to ensure the safety of its soldiers and the public, and they have failed to do so. This is not only a violation of their duty, but also a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the communities they serve.
The consequences of this negligence are already being felt. In 2016, a National Guard armory in Indiana was found to have high levels of lead contamination, leading to the closure of the facility and the relocation of soldiers. This is just one example of the potential harm that can be caused by the National Guard’s inaction.
It is time for the National Guard to take immediate and decisive action to address the lead contamination in its armories. This includes conducting regular testing, implementing proper remediation measures, and ensuring that the public is informed and protected. The safety and well-being of our soldiers and communities must be the top priority.
Furthermore, the National Guard must be held accountable for its failure to address this issue in a timely and responsible manner. This includes providing proper medical care and compensation to any soldiers or civilians who have been affected by lead poisoning as a result of their negligence.
In conclusion, the Intercept’s investigation has brought to light a serious and alarming issue that has been swept under the rug for far too long. The National Guard must take immediate action to address the lead contamination in its armories and ensure the safety of its soldiers and the public. We cannot afford to wait any longer while our children and soldiers are put at risk. It is time for the National Guard to do the right thing and protect those who have put their trust in them.
