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Lead Pollution, Demographics, and Environmental Health Risks: The Case of Philadelphia, USA

Author

Listed:
  • Michael J. O’Shea

    (Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Jonas Toupal

    (Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Hasibe Caballero-Gómez

    (Department of Chemistry, Haverford College, Haverford, PA 19041, USA)

  • Thomas P. McKeon

    (Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
    Department of Geography and Urban Studies, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA)

  • Marilyn V. Howarth

    (Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Richard Pepino

    (Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
    Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Reto Gieré

    (Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
    Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

Abstract

Lead (Pb) soil contamination in urban environments represents a considerable health risk for exposed populations, which often include environmental justice communities. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA), Pb pollution is a major concern primarily due to extensive historical Pb-smelting/processing activity and legacy use of Pb-based paints and leaded gasoline. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) organized and/or compiled community-driven soil sampling campaigns to investigate Pb content in surface soils across Philadelphia. Using these data ( n = 1277), combined with our own dataset ( n = 1388), we explored the spatial distribution of Pb content in soils across the city using ArcGIS. While assessing Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP)-code level data, we found strong correlations between factors, such as the percentage of children with elevated blood lead levels (% EBLL) and % minority population as well as between % EBLL and % children in poverty. We developed a “ Lead Index ” that took demographics, median measured Pb-in-soil content, and % EBLLs into account to identify ZIP codes in need of further assessment. Our results will be used to help lower the Pb-exposure risk for vulnerable children living in disproportionately burdened communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael J. O’Shea & Jonas Toupal & Hasibe Caballero-Gómez & Thomas P. McKeon & Marilyn V. Howarth & Richard Pepino & Reto Gieré, 2021. "Lead Pollution, Demographics, and Environmental Health Risks: The Case of Philadelphia, USA," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-22, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:17:p:9055-:d:623437
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Xiufeng Han & Xinwei Lu & Qinggeletu & Yongfu Wu, 2017. "Health Risks and Contamination Levels of Heavy Metals in Dusts from Parks and Squares of an Industrial City in Semi-Arid Area of China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-12, August.
    2. Emily E Lynch & Helen C S Meier, 2020. "The intersectional effect of poverty, home ownership, and racial/ethnic composition on mean childhood blood lead levels in Milwaukee County neighborhoods," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(6), pages 1-15, June.
    3. Eckel, W.P. & Rabinowitz, M.B. & Foster, G.D., 2001. "Discovering unrecognized lead-smelting sites by historical methods," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 91(4), pages 625-627.
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