Vulnerable Populations Exposed to Lead-Contaminated Drinking Water within Houston Ship Channel Communities

Abstract

Recent events have drawn increased attention to potential lead exposures from contaminated drinking water. Further, homes with older infrastructure are at greatest risk due to the presence of the disinfectant chemical chloramine, which can leach lead from older pipes. There is a growing need to determine the extent of lead leaching especially within vulnerable communities and homes with children. This pilot study collected survey data and performed lead analysis on drinking water in the small community of Manchester in Houston, TX. Manchester is characterized by industrial sites, flooding, and a low socioeconomic population. Surveys and water analyses were completed on randomly selected homes (N = 13) and documented perceptions of participants on their drinking water regarding presence and concentration of lead. Lead was discovered in 30.8% of homes ranging from 0.6 to 2.4 (µg/L), all below the US Environmental Protection Agency action level of 15 ppb, but above the water standard goals. These findings further suggest that contaminated water is a broad issue requiring concerted efforts to ensure the health of US residents.

Using the 12-item short form health survey (SF-12) to assess self rated health of an engaged population impacted by hurricane Harvey, Houston, TX

“…Respondents had higher MCS than the U.S. mean of 50, with MCS for women of 52. 19 (Table 2). These findings remained consistent after adjusting for the age of respondents (There was no statistically significant correlation between PCS and years lived in the neighborhood (Fig.…”

“…A lack of zoning in Houston has furthered these types of land use and urban development inequities, while exposing residents to pollution from more freeway miles than any comparable region of the U.S. [14,15]. Vulnerable communities in the City of Houston are disproportionately exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with transportation infrastructure [16,17], heavy metals in standing water [18], detectable lead levels in drinking water [19], and outdated and ineffective infrastructure to handle flooding events [20]. These conditions are being further exacerbated by simultaneous increases in the severity and frequency of inland precipitation [21], the combined effects of sea-level rise, subsidence, and storm surge [22], and increases in the proportion of impermeable surfaces as the result of population growth and development [23].…”

A Different Kind of Storm: Natech Events in Houston’s Fenceline Communities

“…“When you present them with ‘here’s what you can do to prevent exposure or health risk,’ that’s all good as long as it’s within the means of the community,” says Sansom. “For example, we found detectable lead levels in [Manchester] homes, 42 and it’s just not within their means to retrofit their pipes. Solutions have to come from industry or at the state or federal level to have any kind of meaningful impact.”…”

Citizen Science-Informed Community Master Planning: Land Use and Built Environment Changes to Increase Flood Resilience and Decrease Contaminant Exposure

“…In November 2016, surface water in 30 public areas across the Manchester neighborhood was sampled and tested for metal(iod)s. These areas were identified by residents as being prone to water pooling after rainfall [18]. Tap water samples were collected from the kitchen faucets of 13 Manchester homes in February 2019 and analyzed for the presence of lead [1]. In December 2016, settled dust samples were collected from a measured and marked one square meter area of hard flooring adjacent to the front door of 25 households using surface wipes [19].…”

“…Many neighborhoods located along the Houston Ship Channel, including Manchester, TX, have been documented as having excess risks of exposure to acute pollution, emergency chemical spills and incidents, and high-impact natural and manmade disaster events [1][2][3][4]. These exposures have been linked to poor health outcomes including cancer clusters in both children (brain, leukemia, glioma, melanoma) and adults (liver, brain, cervical) [5].…”