Natasha Gilbert investigated complaints of contaminated drinking water in Industry, Pa., a small community near Pittsburgh where residents have lived for years with murky drinking water. With support from the Fund, Gilbert exposed how companies have successfully lobbied to prevent tighter controls on manganese – a potentially toxic metal – in drinking water. Research shows that manganese in drinking water at levels found in hundreds of locations around the country can lower children’s IQ and is linked to behavioral issues. Gilbert obtained federal records showing the influence of corporations that oppose regulation. Some have also enlisted scientific consulting firms to produce reports suggesting that stricter controls are not needed and that children are not more vulnerable to excess manganese than adults. At times, the companies succeeded in tamping down regulation. The story was co-published by Public Health Watch and The Grist.
Grantee finds little regulation for chemicals lurking in Pennsylvania town’s drinking water
