New to Falk Library this month is the national exhibit This Lead is Killing Us: A History of Citizens Fighting Lead Poisoning in Their Communities. Visitors are asked to reflect on how the past connects to the present-day challenge of reducing harm and danger from lead exposure. The topic of lead exposure ties in the work of advocates, health care professionals, policymakers, industry, and so much more.
On February 20, join us for a panel discussion that explores this topic in depth, discussing not only challenges faced today but celebrating the successes in our region and looking at future opportunities for making our communities, and communities everywhere safer from lead poisoning. The panel event will be co-hosted by Pitt’s School of Public Health’s Environmental and Occupational Health department, with guest panelists Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis, director of Women for a Healthy Environment, and Marcela González Rivas, Associate Professor in Pitt’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.
Exhibit and Event Details:
Visit Falk Library between February 12 and March 22, 2024, to view the exhibit in six large panels and displays from the Rare Book Room. We recommend allowing 30 minutes to review the exhibit content on display.
The exhibit is free and open to the public. 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 Taking on Lead Poisoning in our Community Q&A event will be held at the nearby School of Public Health on Tuesday, February 20 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Connect with Resources:
The exhibit information is illustrated with images and advertisements like this 1923 magazine ad from the National Lead Company.
Many local and national web resources are available to be shared widely for anyone searching for additional information:
- Lead Poisoning Information from MedlinePlus.gov
- Lead – Environmental Topic from the Environmental Protection Agency
- Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention from the Centers 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
For more information, please contact us at Ask a Librarian.
~Julia Dahm
The National Library of Medicine produced this exhibition and companion website.