Lead Emissions and Population Vulnerability in the Detroit Metropolitan Area, 2006–2013: Impact of Pollution, Housing Age and Neighborhood Racial Isolation and Poverty on Blood Lead in Children

This research investigates the relationships between airborne and depositional industrial lead emission concentrations modeled using Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) American Meteorological Society/Environmental Agency Regulatory Model (AERMOD) childhood blood levels (BLL) in Detroit Metropolitan Area (DMA) 2006–2013. Linear mediation interaction regression models estimated effects of older housing on black white BLLs, controlling for neighborhood racial isolation poverty—important social structures DMA. The results showed a direct relationship emissions higher BLL, after median age. Lead also exacerbated effect children’s BLLs (indirect relationship), structures. Findings from this indicate that children exposed to lead-based paint/pipes are further impacted by pollution may permanent neurological damage.