Toxic structures: Speculation and lead exposure in Detroit's single-family rental market

Authors

Alexa Eisenberg, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MIFollow
Eric Seymour, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Alex B. Hill, Department of Urban Studies and Planning, Wayne State University, Detroit, MIFollow
Joshua Akers, Geography and Urban and Regional Studies, University of Michigan- Dearborn, Dearborn, MI

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Foreclosure sales permitted investors to purchase large volumes of low-cost residential properties after the last financial crisis, reshaping patterns of property ownership in low-income housing markets across the US. This study links post-foreclosure property acquisitions by investor-landlords to subsequent lead poisoning cases among children under age six living in Detroit, Michigan. We find that the odds of exhibiting elevated blood lead levels (≥ 5 μg/dL) are higher for children living in investor-owned homes purchased through tax foreclosure sale. These findings highlight the potential for property speculation in post-foreclosure housing markets to exacerbate severe and racialized burdens of excess lead toxicity in low-income communities.

Disciplines

Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Environmental Health | Health Policy | Maternal and Child Health | Real Estate | Urban Studies | Urban Studies and Planning

Comments

Preprint distributed in accordance with Elsevier self archiving policy (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies/sharing/policy-faq). Version of record at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2020.102390.

Recommended Citation

Eisenberg, A., Seymour, E., Hill, A. B., & Akers, J. (2020). Toxic structures: Speculation and lead exposure in Detroit’s single-family rental market. Health & Place, 64, 102390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2020.102390