Physical Environment
The
physical environment plays an important role in individual and community health.
Reducing hazards in the air, soil, and homes can have
significant positive effects on the health of Racine’s citizens. This section
contains information about specific hazards in the physical environment.
Air Pollution
Sources: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Ozone, while crucial for protecting the Earth from harmful UV, is damaging and harmful to humans when in the air we breathe. It has been linked to affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, and central nervous system. This pollutant has increased in prevalence in the last few years in Racine County and is now higher than Milwaukee County, the state of Wisconsin, and the U.S. Ozone levels are highest in urban areas from manufacturing and oil production.
Lead Poisoning
*Poisoned means a blood lead level of 5 micrograms/deciliter. (Centers for Disease Control)
Source: City of Racine Public Health Department
The number of lead poisoning cases
reported in children living in the City of Racine has decreased over recent years due, in part, to increased blood lead level testing and
lead abatement activities. Efforts are ongoing to test every at-risk child and abate lead-contaminated homes to reduce the number of children experiencing lead poisoning.
Radon
Source:
Racine County Radon Information
The average indoor radon
level for Racine County is 4.9 picoCuries per Liter of air, or pCi/L. The highest acceptable level of radon gas is considered to be 4 pCi/L, making Racine
County's average higher than acceptable. It is also above the average national
indoor radon level of 1.3 pCi/L. In 2022, 41% of homes in Racine County experienced dangerous levels of radon, down from 47% of homes in 2018.
Housing
Source: US Census Bureau
The age of homes that people live in can affect their health - older homes may contain lead paint and pipes, asbestos, and be in need of maintenance or repairs. As of 2020 in the City of Racine, 66% of homes were built prior to 1960 and may contain materials that can be detrimental to residents' health. The State of Wisconsin and United States both have a smaller percentage of homes (35% and 27%) built before 1960.
Source: US Census Bureau
During 2020, the City of Racine had only 52% of properties occupied by the owner, as compared to 68% for Racine County, 67% for the State of Wisconsin, and 64% for the United States. The City of Racine has a much higher rate (12% to 16% higher) of being occupied by a renter than other regions. The percentage of unoccupied homes is approximately equal for all regions.