The Army National Guard, a vital component of our nation’s defense, has a responsibility to not only protect our country, but also to protect the health and safety of its soldiers and the communities they serve. However, a recent investigation by The Intercept has revealed that the National Guard has been aware of dangerous lead contamination in its armories for years, yet has failed to take adequate action to address the issue.
Lead, a highly toxic metal, can cause serious health problems, especially in children and pregnant women. Exposure to lead can lead to developmental delays, learning disabilities, and even death. Despite these known risks, the National Guard has allowed armories open to the public to remain contaminated with lead dust, putting both children and soldiers at risk.
The Intercept’s investigation found that the National Guard has been aware of the lead contamination in its armories since at least 2010, when a report by the Army Public Health Center identified 13 armories with lead levels above the Environmental Protection Agency’s safety standard. However, instead of taking immediate action to address the issue, the National Guard has chosen to downplay the severity of the problem and delay necessary clean-up efforts.
In some cases, the National Guard has even gone as far as to deny the existence of lead contamination in its armories. In response to a Freedom of Information Act request by The Intercept, the National Guard Bureau claimed that it had no records of any armories with lead levels above the safety standard. This blatant disregard for the truth is not only concerning, but also raises questions about the National Guard’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The consequences of the National Guard’s inaction are far-reaching. Not only are soldiers at risk of exposure to lead, but also the communities surrounding these armories. Many of these armories are located in residential areas, and the lead dust can easily spread to nearby homes and schools. This puts children, who are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning, in harm’s way.
Furthermore, the National Guard’s failure to address the lead contamination in its armories is a disservice to the soldiers who serve our country. These men and women put their lives on the line to protect us, and they deserve to serve in a safe and healthy environment. It is unacceptable that the National Guard has knowingly put their health at risk by allowing them to work in contaminated armories.
The National Guard’s lack of action also raises concerns about its commitment to environmental stewardship. As an organization that prides itself on being a responsible and ethical leader, the National Guard has a duty to protect the environment and the communities it serves. By allowing lead contamination to persist in its armories, the National Guard is failing to live up to this responsibility.
It is time for the National Guard to take immediate and decisive action to address the lead contamination in its armories. This includes conducting thorough clean-up efforts, implementing regular testing and monitoring, and being transparent about the results. The safety and well-being of our soldiers and communities must be the top priority.
In addition, the National Guard must be held accountable for its inaction. The Intercept’s investigation has shed light on a serious issue that has been swept under the rug for far too long. It is now up to the National Guard to take responsibility and make things right.
As citizens, we must also demand action from our government and hold our elected officials accountable for ensuring the safety of our communities and our soldiers. We cannot allow the National Guard to continue to put our children and soldiers at risk.
In conclusion, the National Guard’s failure to address the lead contamination in its armories is a serious issue that demands immediate attention. The safety and well-being of our soldiers and communities must not be compromised for the sake of convenience or cost-cutting measures. It is time for the National Guard to take responsibility and take action to protect those who serve our country. Let us not forget that the true measure of a nation’s strength is how it takes care of its most vulnerable citizens.
