Mitigating Lead Exposure
In 2017, the E&E Lab partnered with the Illinois Department of Public Health to evaluate existing guidelines for lead screening and to examine the costs and benefits of a universal screening program. The Lab developed a machine learning model of lead exposure in Chicago, which found that 90 percent of children predicted to have dangerously elevated blood lead levels are born in only 26 percent of the state’s zip codes. This work was instrumental in the Illinois Department of Public Health’s decision to not move forward with a universal, state-wide screening policy and instead target resources towards improved screening rates in high-risk areas.
Results: 90% of children predicted to have dangerously high blood levels live in 26% of the state’s zip codes.
The Lab also partnered with the EPA to assess key barriers to participation in local lead service line replacement programs. In response to state laws, public pressure, and current and proposed EPA requirements, many water utilities are developing programs to encourage replacement of the privately-owned portion of lead service lines. But participation in lead service line replacement programs has been low and there is little rigorous evidence on best practices for the design of private-side lead service line replacement programs. The Lab has partnered with Trenton, New Jersey to evaluate the impact of offering households financial incentives for having homes inspected for lead exposure. This study has generated rigorous evidence on the program design elements crucial for encouraging residents to carry out lead service line replacement and will inform best practice policies encouraging lead service line replacement nationwide.