Protecting Our Community: Addressing Lead Poisoning Risks in Houston’s Fifth Ward

By Legacy Community Health

Lead contamination is a pressing threat in Houston’s Fifth Ward with recent reports, including a Houston Chronicle report on a Texas A&M soil study, exposing alarming levels of lead in local soil—levels four times higher than the state average.

Dr. Vanita Agrawal, Adult Medicine specialist at Legacy Community Health, explains that older neighborhoods, especially those with homes built before 1978, pose a significant risk to residents because of lead-based paint.

“If you live in an area with high lead exposure, it’s important to talk to your doctor about getting a blood lead level test and be alert to symptoms such as fatigue or cognitive issues,” Dr. Agrawal advises.

As a trusted healthcare provider committed to the well-being of all communities, Legacy Community Health is stepping up efforts to educate, support, and protect families affected by this critical issue.

Understanding the Issue of Lead Poisoning

Long-term exposure to lead can cause severe health problems, particularly for children, whose developing brains and nervous systems are most vulnerable. Adults, too, face risks such as organ damage and neurological impairments.

Dr. Agrawal, an Adult Medicine specialist at Legacy Community Health, says it’s important to be proactive. Lead poisoning often shows no symptoms until severe, making prevention and testing critical. Early signs may include fatigue, irritability, abdominal pain, or developmental delays in children.

Taking Steps to Reduce Risks

While large-scale remediation efforts are ongoing, Dr. Agrawal recommends practical steps residents can take to limit exposure:

• Address Lead-Based Paint: If your home was built before 1978, lead-based paint may be a concern. Keep surfaces clean and repair peeling paint safely.
• Clean Regularly: Wet mop floors, wipe windowsills, and dust surfaces weekly to remove lead dust.
• Replace Lead Plumbing: If your home has lead pipes, the best course is to replace them. If that is not a possibility, use cold water for drinking and cooking, as hot water leaches more lead.
• Check Household Items: Avoid using old pottery, toys, or jewelry that may contain lead

Leanne Fawkes led the recently published research as a doctoral student at Texas A&M and now works at the University of Texas School of Public Health San Antonio. She suggests removing shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking contaminated soil indoors, supervising children to prevent them from crawling in bare soil or putting dirt-covered hands in their mouths, and growing vegetables safely by using raised garden beds filled with clean soil.

Legacy’s Commitment to the Fifth Ward

As the largest Federally Qualified Health Center in Texas, Legacy Community Health is committed to providing accessible, judgment-free care. Beyond offering comprehensive medical services, we are dedicated to raising awareness about environmental health risks and ensuring families have the resources they need to stay safe.

For nearly 50 years, Legacy has partnered with underserved communities, offering care regardless of ability to pay. Residents are encouraged to schedule a lead screening at Legacy’s Fifth Ward clinic and attend community forums to learn more about ongoing remediation efforts. Your health and safety matter to us—let’s work together to create a safer, healthier Fifth Ward.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about Legacy Community Health’s services, visit legacycommunityhealth.org or call (832) 548 5000