A Lead setback. (Updates).Cities and towns have unsuccessfully sued the lead industry for years, seeking accountability for millions of lead poisoning lead poisoning or plumbism (plŭm`bĭz'əm), intoxication of the system by organic compounds containing lead. victims, mostly children of color who ingested paint dust or flakes in aging homes (see "Lawyers vs. Lead," In Brief, November/December 2001). But recently such efforts have picked up speed, with lawsuits filed by the state of Rhode Island Rhode Island, island, United States Rhode Island, island, 15 mi (24 km) long and 5 mi (8 km) wide, S R.I., at the entrance to Narragansett Bay. It is the largest island in the state, with steep cliffs and excellent beaches. , the cities of Chicago, St. Louis and Milwaukee, and more than 40 other jurisdictions. In a major setback for victims' advocates last fall, a Rhode Island judge declared a mistrial A courtroom trial that has been terminated prior to its normal conclusion. A mistrial has no legal effect and is considered an invalid or nugatory trial. It differs from a "new trial," which recognizes that a trial was completed but was set aside so that the issues could be after the jury could not agree that the paint was a public nuisance public nuisance n. a nuisance which affects numerous members of the public or the public at large, as distinguished from a nuisance which only does harm to a neighbor or a few private individuals. for continuing to poison the state's children (despite evidence of elevated blood lead levels in some children). In New Jersey, the lawsuit by two dozen municipalities seeking manufacturer-funded lead abatement was thrown out. CONTACT: Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, (410) 534-6447, www.leadsafe.org. |
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