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
PM2.5 are fine particles in the air which can reduce visibility and cause haziness. They can also contribute to health and breathing problems. The closest air monitoring station is in Kenosha County. Over the past three years, Kenosha County's PM2.5 levels have been consistently higher than the State of Wisconsin, but lower than Milwaukee County. Current overall trends show modest decreases in Kenosha County's PM2.5 levels.
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 fluctuated
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 5.7 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 2018, 47% of homes in Racine County experienced dangerous levels of radon.
Housing
Source: American Factfinder - 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 2017 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 (37% and 29%) built before 1960.
Source: American FactFinder - US Census Bureau
During 2017, the City of Racine had only 48% of properties occupied by the owner, as compared to 58% for the State of Wisconsin and 56% for the United States. The percentage of unoccupied homes is approximately equal for all three regions.