Addressing Lead Exposure Disparities in Milwaukee: A Geographical Analysis of Interventions and Equitable Strategies

Abstract

Lead exposure is still a major public health issue, especially for children who are the most vulnerable due to the negative effects on their development. Inner-city neighborhoods are often disproportionately impacted because they tend to have older housing stock, which includes sources of lead such as lead paint and lead service lines. While many studies have examined different types of lead interventions in the U.S., including both primary and secondary interventions, little is known about the lead intervention landscape in the city of Milwaukee. Specifically, it is unclear whether the geography of intervention matches up with the geography of exposure. For my research, I used a mixed-method approach, including qualitative methods like interviews and news articles, as well as spatial analysis. My findings reveal that different types of interventions exist in Milwaukee, both at the city and sub-city scales. Additionally, various agencies and institutions, including both state and non-state actors, are involved in these interventions. However, the geography of exposure and targeted interventions do not always align perfectly. The reasons for this misalignment are due to the evolution of targeted interventions, the different actors involved and the inadequacy of using zip codes as the geographical basis for interventions. This research highlights the need for refining intervention strategies to better match the geographic reality of lead exposure, which could enhance the effectiveness of public health efforts in mitigating lead-related risks.