Readers React: The federal government stands between you and lead poisoning

To the editor: Thank you for connecting the problem of lead pollution in Flint, Mich., with the 20th century ad campaign to put lead in paint, pipes and gasoline by the companies that profited from the debilitating and deadly consumption of lead by children and adults. (“A brief history of how the American public was sold on toxic lead,” Feb. 5)

Like the tobacco industry — and now the oil industry, creating doubt about climate change — lead companies sacrificed millions of people on the altar of profit. It’s time to recognize that without federal government regulations, the public has no defense against private corporations that put profits before people.

Doris Isolini Nelson, Los Angeles

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