Philadelphia health commissioner pushes back against newspaper story on lead dangers

The Philadelphia Daily News “Toxic City” series this week focused on lead poisoned soil in the River Ward neighborhoods that once were home to fourteen lead smelters.

We spoke earlier this week with reporters Barbara Laker and Wendy Ruderman about the scope of their investigative study; they had input in part from Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley. He spoke with WHYY’s Dave Heller to give additional perspective.

Residential properties built before 1950 (left); Residents living in poverty, 2011-15 (City of Philadelphia Office of Property Assessment)