residents of syracuse, new york are battling the destructive effects of lead exposure.

the city of syracuse is located in central ny and has a population of about 146,000. the majority of syracuse homes were built prior to the 1978 epa regulations on lead paint. in addition, nearly half of the city’s water service lines are lead pipes, with many service line materials still unidentified.  

syracuse community members are organizing to fight back against this crisis. advocacy by organizations like families for lead freedom now is ensuring that affected voices will be heard. oceanna fair, kiara van brackle, and lanessa owens-chaplin are members of this organization who are proving why grassroots organizing is so crucial.

in connecticut’s wealthiest county, neighboring towns face significant disparities. bridgeport, conn., has the lowest average income in fairfield county, and has the highest percentage of black, indigenous, and people of color (bipoc) individuals. it is also home to the largest incinerator in the state.

incinerators are notorious polluters and, according to a report by the tishman environment and design center, their major pollutants include dioxins, heavy metals, chlorine, polystyrenes, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, lead, and pfas/pfoa among others.

bridgeport faces a disproportionate amount of environmental hazards such as air pollution, raising environmental justice concerns. where governments fail to protect their citizens, community-based solutions like pt partners and their collaboration with empowered are making bridgeport residents more informed and resilient.