A geospatial analysis of the role of lead exposure in substance use disorders.

Abstract

This project investigates how the disproportionate exposure to lead (Pb), a hazardous neurotoxin, may result in the development of substance use disorders (SUDs) through a geospatial analysis of: 1. Discriminatory redlining strategies used by the Federal Housing Administration and Homeowners’ Loan Corporation from the 1930s-1960s; 2. Elevated Blood Lead Level (EBLL) maps developed by city and county health departments from 2000-2020; 3. Maps of drug overdose events developed by city and county health departments from 2000-2020. Publicly available data are currently being analyzed using ArcGIS Pro. The objective of this project is to apply the Bradford-Hill criteria for causation to determine whether Pb exposure may cause, or be a factor in, the development of SUDs. While some pre-clinical and population studies have been used to investigate this research question, geospatial analysis evidence considering these three variables are lacking in the literature. Results from this project may be used as evidence for action to hold governmental agencies accountable for providing safe and healthy environments to prevent the development of SUDs, instead of employing downstream combatants of policing efforts. While Pb exposure alone may not cause SUDs, preliminary data suggest that people with EBLLs may be more at risk for SUDs.