Women with no other options for supporting themselves started scavenging and recycling the lead from old car batteries.
Many brought their children to work because they couldn't afford child care.
The result was numerous children suffering physical & mental disabilities from lead poisoning.
The ground water was also contaminated, so children were born with disabilities as well.
This is why capitalism loves the poor. They'll do anything for money and are so concerned about just surviving today they can't be concerned about the future.