EXHIBIT: This Lead Is Killing Us

On view in the Raynor Lobby through April 19 is a new traveling exhibition, “This Lead Is Killing Us: A History of Citizens Fighting Lead Poisoning in their Communities,” produced by the National Library of Medicine. The exhibition explores how citizens, scientists and medical professionals have confronted industry to protect their health against the dangers of lead poisoning.

Lead exposure can cause neurological problems, even death—especially in children. Despite this, the metal has been pervasive in many aspects of life in Milwaukee and the rest of the United States for more than a century. Many industries added lead to their manufacturing processes and products, endangering their workers and putting communities at risk through polluted air, contaminated water, and paint dust.

Showing photographs, advertisements, newspaper articles, official reports, and other materials, “This Lead Is Killing Us" reveals how and when lead has hurt Americans’ health and shines a light on milestone civic actions that have protected communities against this environmental danger.

This exhibition was produced by the National Library of Medicine. A variety of online companion materials are offered by NLM:

• Exhibition highlights, including historical materials shown in the exhibition.
• Educational resources for K-12 educators, including lesson plans.
• Digital gallery with related historical materials, including scientific reports and public service announcements, on the dangers of lead.

Visit the Exhibit

Who can visit? The exhibit is open to the public during the library's regular visitor hours. Please note that visitors without a current Marquette ID are not permitted beyond the exhibit area.

Dates: March 10-April 19, 2025

Location: The entry lobby of Raynor Library, 1355 W. Wisconsin Ave., on the Marquette University campus in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Travel tips: Parking is available on-street and in two campus parking structures. Transit options include MCTS Connect and Bublr bikeshares. 

Take Action

Explore the links below to learn more and take action on lead poisining prevention in your community. 

Local Resources

• Milwaukee Health Department: Home Environmental Health   
• Milwaukee Health Department: About Lead Exposure: What you should know 
• City of Milwaukee Water Works:  Lead Pipes 
• Sixteenth Steet Community Health Centers: Lead Outreach Program 
• Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service: Lead poisoning is a serious health threat.  Here are five things you need to know by Julius Shieh 

State and Federal Resources

• Wisconsin Department of Health Services:  Lead-Safe Wisconsin 
• Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin: Lead Poisoning Prevention  
• Coalition on Lead Emergency (COLE)  
• MedlinePlus.gov: Lead Poisoning 
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Lead 

Global Resources

• Center for Global Development: A Call to Action to End Childhood Lead Poisoning Worldwide
• Our World in Data: Lead Pollution by Hannah Ritchie and Max Rose
• ThinkGlobalHealth:  Global lead poisoning in the biggest threat you’ve never heard about
• Unicef: Five Actions to End Childhood Lead Poisoning
• World Health Organization: Lead poisoning