December 8, 2023

Marilyn Howarth, M.D., discusses factors that contribute to high lead exposure in urban areas in an October 2023 NIEHS podcast. She also shares ways to reduce lead exposure at home and at the community level.

In the episode, Howarth, who directs the Community Engagement Core within the University of Pennsylvania’s NIEHS-funded Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology (CEET), describes the Lead Index and Mapping Project. Through the project, CEET researchers work with Philadelpha residents to collect and test soil samples for lead. By combining the soil data with socioeconomic and demographic information the team created a map showing lead exposure risk across Philadelphia. The map can help decision makers identify and prioritize neighborhoods for lead cleanup.

Listen to the episode to learn more.