On display at Falk Library from February 12 through March 22, 2024. Free and open to the public during regular library hours.

About the Exhibit:

This exhibit explores the story of citizen action taken against an environmental danger. Lead exposure can cause neurological problems and sometimes even death; yet this metal has been pervasive in many aspects of American life for over a century. Historically, mining, battery manufacturing, smelting, and enameling industries included lead in their production processes, impacting factory workers and consumers. Manufacturers added lead to household paints and gasoline, endangering the health of families and polluting the air through exhaust fumes. To protect themselves against the dangers of lead poisoning, scientists, families, and individuals opposed industries, housing authorities, and elected officials.

Additional HSLS items will be on display, including historical books by Bernardino Ramazzini, known as the Father of Occupational Medicine.

Many online resources are available to read further and learn more:

• Exhibit website from the National Library of Medicine* featuring a digital gallery and lesson plan for Grades 9-10
• Lead Poisoning Information from MedLinePlus.gov
• Lead – Environmental Topic from the Environmental Protection Agency
• Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• Get the Lead out Pittsburgh local public awareness campaign
• Lead Poisoning Health Impacts from Women for a Healthy Environment
• Allegheny County Elevated Blood Lead Level Rates from the Western Pennsylvania Regional Data Center

Information for Visitors:

Visit Falk Library between February 12 and March 22, 2024, to view the exhibit. We recommend allowing 30 minutes to review the exhibit content on display.

Falk Library is located on Pitt’s campus, in Alan Magee Scaife Hall. Please enter the building from Lothrop Street, and proceed to Floor M (Mezzanine), below Floor 3. Visitors will be received during library open hours.

*The National Library of Medicine produced this exhibition and companion website.