Lead Pipes

By: Staci Sweet

Problem: The EPA site states that homes built before 1986 are likely to have lead pipes and fixtures⁵; which means the water supply is likely to have lead contamination.  Since more than 85% of the homes built in the Fair Park Corridor were built between 1939 and 1970, one can conclude that of the 36,077 citizens currently residing there, that at least 30% or 10,824 individuals have been exposed to lead contaminants by merely drinking water out of a lead pipe faucet. 

The health effects of lead to the population vary.  These individuals can suffer from delays in their learning capabilities to health risks such as high blood pressure.  Though high blood pressure has been attributed to poor diet, it may be safe to assume that with the large consumption of lead-based materials used in the mere construction of the homes, both diet and housing are now attributing to the health and learning capacities within the community.

Solution:

Pass legislation mandating property owners to supply tenants with water filtration systems OR require property owners to provide rental discounts to the tenants who purchase water filtration systems.

Lead-Based Paints

By: Staci Sweet

Problem: Lead is a heavy soft malleable ductile plastic and has been used in paint to protect wood from water damage.  The problem with it is when it peels and is ingested; the results can cause lead poisoning and serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system, and red blood cells.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s website, “lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death.²” With more than 85% of the homes in Fair Park, not including public housing complexes, it is safe to assume that at least half or 50% of the population, 18,039 out of 36,077³, people have been exposed or experienced one or more of the problems associated with lead-based paints. As lead is a known cause of behavioral and learning disabilities, this could explain why approximately 58% of the population have less than a high school education⁴. 

Solutions:

1. Create a statewide program by way of a liaison to work with paint suppliers in order to provide owner discounts and tax breaks for the suppliers.
2. Pass legislation to mandate property owners of homes built before 1978 to not only disclose the use of lead-based paints, but to have a financial responsibility if a person under the age of 18 is tested positive for lead and have lived in the residence for specified amount of time.
3. After the passing of such legislation, have school districts require lead screenings for K-12 students. 

SOURCES:

^{1, 4} "Fair Park Neighborhood in Dallas, Texas (TX), 75210, 75215, 75223, Subdivision Profile - Real Estate, Apartments, Condos, Homes, Community, Population, Jobs, Income, Streets." Stats about All US Cities - Real Estate, Relocation Info, House Prices, Home Value Estimator, Recent Sales, Cost of Living, Crime, Race, Income, Photos, Education, Maps, Weather, Houses, Schools, Neighborhoods, and More. Advameg Inc. Web. 26 Jan. 2012. <http://www.city-data.com/neighborhood/Fair-Park-Dallas-TX.html>. Note: Not credible source

² "Lead in Drinking Water | Lead | US EPA." Home | Water | US EPA. Web. 26 Jan. 2012. <http://water.epa.gov/drink/info/lead/index.cfm>.Note: Source not evaluated

³ Regional Census Bureau 214-253-4400 Phone Interview w/Partnership and Data Department

The Built Environment in South Dallas

By: Staci Sweet

One aspect of Environmental Science is that it studies how the environment, including the built environment, affects us.  The built environmental impact on the human population within the Fair Park Corridor, to include the 75210, 75215, and 75223 zip codes respectively as it pertains to the construction of the homes surrounding this community, will be the focus of our discussion.  According to city-data.com, more than 85% of the homes within the Fair Park Corridor were built between 1939 and 1970¹.  These homes were constructed using wood, donned with lead-based paints, installed with lead pipes, insulated with asbestos, in addition to requiring gas as a utility for heating. This topic was of particular interest to me, as I resided in a home built in 1956 for several years within the Fair Park community.  I saw, experienced, and suffered from those materials and it is my hope to bring awareness and provide solutions to the environmental hazards that have inadvertently harmed the people and the environment; socially, psychologically, and economically.

SOURCE:

"Fair Park Neighborhood in Dallas, Texas (TX), 75210, 75215, 75223, 75226 Subdivision Profile - Real Estate, Apartments, Condos, Homes, Community, Population, Jobs, Income, Streets." Stats about All US Cities - Real Estate, Relocation Info, House Prices, Home Value Estimator, Recent Sales, Cost of Living, Crime, Race, Income, Photos, Education, Maps, Weather, Houses, Schools, Neighborhoods, and More. Advameg Inc. Web. 26 Jan. 2012. <http://www.city-data.com/neighborhood/Fair-Park-Dallas-TX.html>. 

Note: Not credible source

 

© Staci Sweet, LLC.(stacisweet.com) and Real Issues. All rights reserved. 2012