Telecom cables (IMAGE) Oregon State University Caption Lead levels in moss are as much as 600 times higher in older Portland neighborhoods where lead-sheathed telecommunications cables were once used compared to lead levels in rural areas. Credit Alyssa Shiel, Oregon State University. Usage Restrictions Media use only License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.