Because of contract disputes, cost and legislative hurdles, it will likely take years before the remainder of the city’s tens of thousands of lead pipes are replaced. In the meantime, experts say residents should take precautions like water filters.
Environmental Health
Portions of two Duluth neighborhoods have the highest rates of children with elevated blood lead levels of any census tract in the state, according to new Minnesota Department of Health data.
Nitrogen pollution from agricultural fertilizer contaminates the water for over 14,000 people in the Salinas Valley.
Soil tests found hazardous lead in about half of New Orleans playgrounds. Past cleanups were patchy, leaving many kids exposed and parents demanding action.
The first studies of last year’s fires have revealed some unexpected hazards of urban mega-fires.
As the data center building spree continues and the federal government rolls back environmental and health protections, the health toll will be heaviest in marginalized communities.
Across hundreds of Alaskan communities, public schools are often the safest buildings where people can take shelter during disasters. After decades of state neglect, however, some have become emergencies themselves.
The Dispatch’s “Invisible Killer” investigation finds radon exposure widespread in Ohio, with low awareness, weak protections for kids and renters, inconsistent testing, and major gaps in screening and policy.
After The Dispatch exposed Ohio’s radon failures, demand for free test kits surged so sharply the state ran out, highlighting gaps in renter protections and lagging radon policy.
After a Dispatch investigation, Ohio health officials and the governor signal openness to expanding radon testing in schools, despite lawmakers previously rejecting funding and uneven protections statewide.