Upcoming Events
MS Project Presentation - Environmental Science and Policy
May 1, 2024, 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Virtual - contact espgrad@gmu.edu for Zoom meeting info
MS Project
Department of Environmental Science and Policy
College of Science
George Mason University
Candidate: Luke Cannon
Date and Time: May 1, 2024 at 4:30PM
Location: Virtual
Title: Assessing the Relationship Between Vacant Housing and Lead Soil Contamination in Baltimore, Maryland
Project Director: Dr. Jennifer Sklarew
Committee:Dr. Ted Chen and Dr. Christine Rosenfeld
ABSTRACT
Lead poisoning is an issue of major concern. Even low blood lead levels can result in serious negative health impacts, especially in children. Lead soil content is one pathway of exposure for children. This research hypothesized that vacant housing would have a higher lead soil content than occupied housing. Baltimore, Maryland was chosen due to its many old and vacant properties. Lead soil tests compared vacant housing to occupied housing in both high and low percent vacant neighborhoods. The results could indicate that vacant housing has more potential negative health impacts than previously thought, which has environmental justice implications.