Untold: Toxic Legacy

Swamp Notes: The Bethlehem Project is a new FT podcast series that tackles some of the US’s biggest political and economic issues through the lens of one city: Bethlehem Pennsylvania. The city is a politically divided area in a critical swing state, and reflects a lot of conversations happening nationally. The first episode tackles what happens when immigration enforcement comes to town, and the second episode explore what it's like growing up in Donald Trump's America.Subscribe to Swamp Notes here.Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts This is a repeat of episodes published on Swamp Notes, a sister podcast of Untold, on Nov. 10 and Dec. 17, 2025 respectively. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a heart-wrenching exploration, a toddler's tragic death from lead poisoning highlights severe flaws in the UK's healthcare system. Experts discuss misdiagnosis and the urgent need for routine screenings in primary care. A new Leeds alert system has been instrumental in uncovering previously hidden cases. However, systemic issues impede nationwide testing and contamination remediation efforts. With over 200,000 children potentially affected, the conversation delves into the urgent action required to protect future generations from this silent crisis.

The UK has some of the oldest housing in the world. Although the use of lead paint is banned, what happens to the paint already on your walls? Laura Hughes speaks to families fighting for answers and the children poisoned by their own homes. She learns that it’s not only old homes that pose a serious risk.For more information on how to live safely with lead, please visit the LEAPP Alliance website.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this gripping conversation, Dr. Andrea Sartorius, an ecotoxicologist from the University of Nottingham, reveals shocking findings from her studies on historic lead mine contamination in Wales. She discusses the alarming levels of lead found in soil and the grave effects on local wildlife. Professor Mark Macklin, a geomorphologist, shares insights from his community soil testing and highlights the widespread pollution mapped across floodplains. They both stress the urgent need for awareness and action regarding lead exposure in the UK.

Introducing Toxic Legacy, a new season of Untold from the Financial Times. Host Laura Hughes uncovers a lead poisoning epidemic across the UK. You might be living with lead and not know it: the toxin is often invisible to the human eye, but wreaks havoc on our bodies once we’re exposed. The first episode of Untold: Toxic Legacy launches October 22.For information on how to live safely with lead, please visit the LEAPP Alliance website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Retreat has been nominated for a Signal Award in the Health and Wellness category! It's a listener choice award, which means we need your help. If you enjoyed The Retreat, please vote for the show to win here. We appreciate your support! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The podcast delves into the experiences of individuals at a Gwenka retreat, highlighting challenges faced by participants like Ben and Aisha. It explores issues of racism, mental distress, and lack of support within the retreat center. The chapter also discusses the risks and controversies surrounding sense deprivation courses, emphasizing the need for improved awareness and support for participants' well-being.

With elections looming, tensions rise due to foreign interference scandals shaking the European Parliament. Allegations of espionage linked to Russia and China heighten concerns about political integrity and public trust. Personal accounts reveal the emotional toll of corruption investigations, highlighting the struggle for transparency. A powerful moment emerges as two individuals seek forgiveness amidst political chaos, emphasizing the need for voter engagement and reform in the face of widespread apathy.

A vice president faces fiery accusations of financial misconduct, challenging media biases. The complex legalities of Belgian Gate expose rampant political corruption and the tangled web of influence. Delays plague the espionage investigation, raising questions about the judicial process. As the European Parliament grapples with integrity issues, impending elections heighten the urgency for reforms. Dramatic political maneuvering illuminates the scandal's far-reaching implications for democracy in the EU.

Delve into the harsh realities faced by migrant workers in Qatar amidst World Cup preparations, uncovering systemic labor abuses. Discover the surprising turnaround by the ITUC, swaying from criticism to praise and unveiling corruption linked to influential figures. Explore the behind-the-scenes dynamics of two ex-colleagues as they juggle activism and politics. Learn about strategic meetings in Brussels where money is exchanged for favors, and unravel the complex web of betrayals and plea deals that impact the investigation.