It's not every day that a newspaper story actually prompts government action. This one did, a seven-month investigation that resulted in a 5-day special report about inadequate lead testing and abatement programs in Detroit. The stories also, by implication point out the failures of the nation's policies on lead and its impacts on health.

Much of the series focused on local investigations, samples tested by the Free Press revealed potentially dangerous lead levels in the soil around an abandoned smelter. While noting the health benefits achieved by national phase-out of lead in paint and gasoline, the series ultimately points to failures in national policy. "National policymakers have not aggressively addressed the problem," according to the series. "Last year, the Bush administration unsuccessfully pushed to eliminate a requirement that poor children on Medicaid -- the group at highest risk -- be tested for lead poisoning. The administration appointed an advisory board laden with lead industry consultants to recommend updated standards for lead danger levels in children." Reporters Tina Lam, Amelia Askari, Wendy Wendland-Bowyer, Shawn Windsor, Hugh Mcdiarmid Jr., Dan Shine, and Marsha Low were among the contributors to the series. (See Original 5-part series: January 21-25, 2003, http://www.freep.com/lead/index.htm)