NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation
On January 31, 2024, I submitted a formal request to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Health Hazard Evaluation Program via the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). NIOSH officials visited Verizon locations in Western Massachusetts in September of 2024 & January of 2025.
In March of 2025 partial findings were released.
On May 16, 2025, the Final Report has been received.
The Bulk Analysis Sediment tests.
“We collected three samples for bulk analysis, two from manholes where a cable transfer was in process and one from a dry manhole during preparation for fiber-optic cable installation. The highest concentration of lead detected in the collected sediment was 30,000 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) or parts per million (ppm) in soil detected in the “downhill” manhole where an employee cut lead cable using cable cutters. The other two samples found 170 ppm and 530 ppm in the “uphill” manhole during cable transfer and during the preparation for fiber-optic cable installation, respectively. The bulk sample from the downhill manhole was collected at the end of the shift.” – from NIOSH [2025]. Exposure to lead during work on and near lead-sheathed telecommunication cables. By Li JF, Zacks R. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2024-0046-3413
In the report NIOSH points out tests were conducted in three spaces in January of 2025. One test result was 170ppm (parts per million) and the other was 530ppm. For a frame of reference, In January of 2024 the EPA lowered its acceptable level of Lead in Soil from 400ppm to 200ppm. The Bulk Sediment test result at the “downhill” manhole was 30,000ppm. That means, in simple math, that a full 3% of the sediment tested was Lead.
When informed of the 30,000ppm test result Professor Phillip Landrigan from Boston College stated that in his opinion “at 30,000ppm, workers should be wearing a SCUBA suit”.
The use of Lead encapsulating compound.
“The manufacturer did not provide evidence that the use of lead encapsulating compound prevented release of lead into the air when lead sheath is cut. Normally, a wet method (such as applying amended water) would be more effective than applying a lead encapsulating compound in reducing dust when a lead-sheathed cable needs to be cut by keeping the surface wet; however, this is not an option in this workplace as the wires inside the lead-sheathed cable are insulated with paper which must be kept dry. Other methods to control dust exposure could be an engineering control that captures particulate generated during cutting or other tasks that generate particulate, such as a high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) vacuum or local exhaust ventilation” – from NIOSH [2025]. Exposure to lead during work on and near lead-sheathed telecommunication cables. By Li JF, Zacks R. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2024-0046-3413
“The manufacturer did not provide evidence that the use of lead encapsulating compound prevented the release of Lead into the air when Lead sheath is cut”. This section of the report raises many questions related to the safety practice that required workers to ‘paint’ Lead sheathed cable.
As the manufacturer did not provide any evidence to NIOSH; what scientific evidence did Verizon rely upon when it began directing workers to use the substance as means of Lead protection?
How did Verizon determine that the encapsulant covered Lead could be cut and somehow not produce particulates?
Who should be concerned with this HHE Final Report by NIOSH?
- All workers who enter areas where Lead sheathed cables are present.
- Potentially anyone who lives or works where water is pumped out of manholes that may contain exceedingly high levels of Lead. This matter likely falls under the Environmental Protection Agency.
To be certain, this matter is not closed. Not by a long shot.
Many questions remain and more have been raised with the Final Report.
I will continue to endeavor to get the answers.
Please check Lead Hazard Investigation in menu for more information
Fraternally,
John D. Rowley Sr.
Business Manager
IBEW Local 2324
