Neighborhood-Level Lead Paint Hazard for Children under 6: A Tool for Proactive and Equitable Intervention

Mikyung Baek, Michael B. Outrich, Kierra S. Barnett and Jason Reece
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Mikyung Baek: Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
Michael B. Outrich: Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
Kierra S. Barnett: Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
Jason Reece: City & Regional Planning, Knowlton School of Architecture, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 5, 1-20

Abstract: Lead is well known for its adverse health effects on children, particularly when exposure occurs at earlier ages. The primary source of lead hazards among young children is paint used in buildings built before 1978. Despite being 100% preventable, some children remain exposed and state and local policies often remain reactive. This study presents a methodology for planners and public health practitioners to proactively address lead risks among young children. Using geospatial analyses, this study examines neighborhood level measurement of lead paint hazard in homes and childcare facilities and the concentration of children aged 0–5. Results highlight areas of potential lead paint hazard hotspots within a county in the Midwestern state studied, which coincides with higher concentration of non-white children. This places lead paint hazard in the context of social determinants of health, where existing disparity in distribution of social and economic resources reinforces health inequity. In addition to being proactive, lead poisoning intervention efforts need to be multi-dimensional and coordinated among multiple parties involved. Identifying children in higher lead paint hazard areas, screening and treating them, and repairing their homes and childcare facilities will require close collaboration of healthcare professionals, local housing and planning authorities, and community members.

Keywords: lead poisoning; lead hazard risk; lead-based paint; place-based approach; social determinants of health; racial health disparity; child-friendly planning; public health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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