The city of St. Louis can continue to sue seven lead paint manufacturers after a judge ruled last week that the presence of the toxic substance qualifies as a public nuisance. The lawsuit, which was originally filed in 2000, contends that the companies intentionally failed to reveal the hazardous nature of their lead products and the possible bodily effect of lead poisoning.

Defendants named in the suit include Sherwin-Williams Co., SCM Corp., American Cyanimid Co., DuPont & Co., Glidden Co., NL Industries Inc. and Atlantic Richfield Co. According to the lawsuit, an estimated 31 percent of St. Louis children under the age of six have elevated lead levels. Several other cities, including New York City and San Francisco, have filed similar lawsuits against the industry.