Jun 15, 2012 3 min read

ALEXANDRIA, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Apr 19, 2012– Diane L. Cullo, Director of SLAB Watchdog, an organization committed to stopping the inappropriate exportation of spent lead acid batteries (SLABs) to developing countries, today issued the following statement upon the release of the first in a series of investigative articles by USA Today. The story sheds light on the devastating health effects of poorly operated lead smelters and the government’s failure to clean them up:

“SLAB Watchdog praises the investigative reporting staff at USA Today for their hard hitting series, ‘Ghost Factories.’ The series is bringing public attention to the very real and dangerous health risks associated with lead contamination and the need for continued government vigilance of current and former lead smelter sites.

While it is clear from USA Today’s reporting that EPA and state agencies must do more to find, study and clean old smelter sites, we cannot fail to point out the need to remain ever more vigilant to ensure the country’s secondary lead smelters adhere to current regulations on lead emissions. The fact that so many of battery recyclers are in noncompliance with EPA regulations is shameful given that the technology exists to achieve drastic reductions in the most harmful emissions.

The USA Today story validates the concerns that have been raised regarding the on-going exportation of SLABs to countries like Mexico to evade stringent domestic environmental controls, a practice that must be stopped. The long-term health and environmental impacts highlighted in the article are certain to be visited upon Mexico and other developing nations if SLAB exports from the US continue unabated. Clearly, the harsh effects of SLAB exportation live long past the short term financial gain of domestic exporters. By continuing to ship SLABs overseas to developing countries with lax environmental and worker protections, America is allowing the sins of the past to be repeated; poisoning the land, air and people of our neighbor to the south.

SLAB Watchdog thanks USA Today for its investigation. We urge the continued strengthening of EPA and OSHA standards on lead smelting and an end to the exportation of SLABs overseas.”

Slab Watchdog is waging a campaign to educate American consumers and policy makers on the dangers of SLAB exports. As part of that campaign, SLAB Watchdog will have a booth at the Earth Day celebration this weekend on the National Mall in Washington, DC. In addition, SLAB Watchdog recently released a series of web videos. Watch our newest one .

CONTACT: SLAB Watchdog

Diane L. Cullo, 703-244-5891

KEYWORD: UNITED STATES MEXICO NORTH AMERICA CENTRAL AMERICA VIRGINIA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PUBLIC POLICY/GOVERNMENT MANUFACTURING PUBLIC POLICY WHITE HOUSE/FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CHEMICALS/PLASTICS ENVIRONMENT COMMUNICATIONS PUBLISHING

SOURCE: SLAB Watchdog

Copyright Business Wire 2012

PUB: 04/19/2012 01:42 PM/DISC: 04/19/2012 01:42 PM

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120419006576/en