Toxic Legacies: How Housing, Climate, and Redlining Influence Lead Exposure in Durham, North Carolina

Abstract

Despite ongoing declines, lead exposure remains a significant public health concern. This study examines environmental determinants of childhood lead exposure in historically redlined neighborhoods of Durham, North Carolina. Blood lead surveillance data (2000–2015) from 43,524 children under age three assessed housing and environmental exposure predictors. Pre-1950 housing predicted higher blood lead levels, while road density, redlining grade, and proximity to contaminated parks did not. A significant interaction between housing age and daytime land surface temperature indicated urban heat exacerbates lead exposure risks in older housing. Findings support prioritizing lead remediation in older homes within heat-vulnerable neighborhoods, integrating housing improvements with climate adaptation to address compounded environmental risks.