The Nation - News from March 1, 1989

The drinking water from newsroom fountains at USA Today headquarters in Arlington, Va., tested after employees became concerned over the seemingly large number of miscarriages among the staff, contained levels of lead and barium that “exceeded the EPA guidelines,” according to a memo to employees. The level of lead and barium found was not available, but a company spokeswoman said there will be further tests, the Washington Post reported. The company has installed coolers of bottled water. An informal survey by employees found that of the 36 women who had been pregnant after December, 1987, at least 13 had had miscarriages.