National Academies Grant Awarded to School of Public Health Researchers for Environmental Assessment in Two Houston Neighborhoods

Researchers at the Texas A&M University School of Public Health have embarked on an important one-year research initiative aimed at addressing significant environmental concerns in two predominantly African American neighborhoods in northeast Houston: Settegast and Lakewood. Led by principal investigator Garett Sansom, DrPH, alongside co-principal investigator Lindsay Sansom, PhD, the project has received funding from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Gulf Research Program. This unique collaboration combines rigorous academic research with grassroots community engagement, making it a notable model for similar efforts across urban landscapes in the United States.

The focus of the research is to evaluate soil conditions in these neighborhoods, which have been plagued by environmental hazards ranging from chemical spills to illegal dumping. The Sansoms have previously conducted similar studies addressing toxic elements in local soil, including lead and heavy metals in Houston’s Greater Fifth Ward. Their consistent engagement with community health concerns has solidified their roles as trusted voices in environmental research. The current project’s objectives extend beyond mere data collection; they encompass fostering a robust dialogue with local residents, thereby empowering those who are directly impacted by these environmental injustices.

Settegast and Lakewood are emblematic of the broader challenges faced by many urban neighborhoods, where socio-economic disadvantages intersect with environmental risks. Specifically, Settegast is home to approximately 4,800 residents, many of whom experience some of the lowest life expectancy rates in Harris County. This community is situated near landfills that contribute to severe environmental degradation; instances of illegal dumping and frequent flooding compound health risks. In Lakewood, hazardous sites and heightened air pollution levels further undermine public health, presenting urgent challenges that necessitate attention and intervention.

The project entails a thorough evaluation of the soil in these neighborhoods, focusing on the presence of cancer-causing heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Upon identifying potential contaminant levels, the Sansoms plan to conduct comprehensive risk assessments that forecast long-term health implications for residents. The significance of determining soil quality cannot be overstated, as it directly correlates with community health outcomes. Heavy metal exposure has been linked to various health conditions, including neurological impairments and cancer, underscoring the urgency of this initiative.

Moreover, beyond the scientific analysis, the researchers intend to work closely with West Street Recovery, a community-based organization pivotal in guiding their engagement efforts. By collaborating with local leaders, the Sansoms aim to integrate residents’ perspectives and concerns into the research process, ensuring that the study’s findings align with community priorities. This relationship not only facilitates data collection but also cultivates trust, a necessary component when addressing sensitive issues of environmental justice.

Community engagement is paramount to reimagining the social fabric of neighborhoods like Settegast and Lakewood. By actively involving residents in discussions about environmental health, the project seeks not only to educate but also to empower. Residents bring invaluable insights into local environmental challenges, which can greatly inform the research efforts and subsequent interventions. Listening to community voices will help establish a clearer understanding of the issues at play, thereby optimizing resource allocation and fostering collective action toward solutions.

The broader implications of this project extend into the realms of sustainable urban development. Once the soil evaluation is completed, the results will catalyze a three-year initiative focused on creating an urban greenspace plan aimed at mitigating environmental pollutants. The concept of integrating green spaces into urban planning is increasingly recognized for its ability to improve air quality and, subsequently, community health. This endeavor aligns with national and international goals of fostering sustainable, livable cities that prioritize environmental health in the wake of rapid urbanization.

Addressing the challenges of environmental justice requires a nuanced understanding of the sociopolitical landscape affecting marginalized communities. For neighborhoods like Settegast and Lakewood, where institutional neglect has often dictated access to resources, research projects like this serve as crucial interventions that can challenge systemic inequities. By spotlighting these environmental issues and engaging local stakeholders, the work undertaken by the Sansoms may not only lead to policy changes but also inspire other communities facing similar predicaments to rise up and advocate for their rights.

The research investigators emphasize the project as a critical first step toward paving the way for healthier, more sustainable communities. As they prepare to embark on this scientific venture, their commitment continues to reflect a conscientious approach to addressing deeply rooted challenges faced by the residents. As environmental concerns become increasingly pronounced amid the realities of climate change, the insights gleaned from their efforts could well contribute to a broader dialogue on public health, environmental justice, and urban resilience.

In conclusion, the collaboration between the Texas A&M researchers and community-based organizations like West Street Recovery exemplifies a holistic approach to tackling the pressing issues of environmental injustice. The outcomes of their work could resonate well beyond the confines of the two targeted neighborhoods, potentially influencing policies that affect urban environments throughout the country. As the project unfolds, it will serve as a litmus test for the efficacy of integrating scientific research with community engagement, ultimately cultivating healthier, more equitable living conditions for future generations in Houston and beyond.

Subject of Research: Environmental Justice in Settegast and Lakewood Neighborhoods
Article Title: Addressing Environmental Injustices: A Comprehensive Soil Study in Houston Neighborhoods
News Publication Date: October 2023
Web References:
References:
Image Credits:

Keywords: Environmental Justice, Soil Evaluation, Heavy Metals, Community Engagement, Public Health, Urban Development, Settegast, Lakewood, Texas A&M University.

Tags: academic-community collaboration in public healthaddressing environmental hazards in communitiescommunity engagement in environmental studiesempowering local residents in researchenvironmental assessment in Houstonenvironmental justice in African American neighborhoodsgrassroots efforts in public healthNational Academies Gulf Research Program fundingsoil contamination research in urban areasTexas A&M School of Public Health researchtoxic soil elements in Settegast and Lakewoodurban environmental challenges