Rebuilding Baltimore

Many homes in Baltimore suffer from structural and architectural defects that cause homes to decay and fall into bad conditions. For example, structural defects permit entry of cockroaches and rodents; leaking pipes and other sources of water provide them with water to drink. Inadequate food storage and disposal facilities provide them with opportunities for obtaining food. Dead spaces in walls harbor pests and permit circulation among apartments in multiunit dwellings.

Materials used to construct homes also contribute to the condition of the house and the health of the residents in the home. For example, Polyvinyl chloride flooring and textile wall materials have been associated with bronchial obstruction and Lead exposure can result in lasting impairment of a child’s development and behavior such as decreased IQ and attention span and increased risk for delinquent behavior.

Openings in homes also permit toxic gasses to enter homes such as radon gas which is a radioactive noble gas that comes from the decay of radium in the soil. Radon gas can enter the home through structural deficiencies such as gaps between basement walls or large cracks in the foundation. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers, causing an estimated 15,400–21,800 lung cancer deaths annually.

Another health risk that comes from poor structural choices is the risk of mold and water damage. For example, water incursions in structures that lack adequate ventilation and drainage increase the risk for mold growth, which is associated with an increased risk for asthma and perhaps other health problems.

Attributes of poor housing that increase the risk of injury include exposed heating sources, unprotected upper-story windows and low sill heights slippery surfaces, breakable window glass in sites with a high likelihood of contact, and poorly designed stairs with inadequate lighting. Building design and materials influence the risk of injury from fires.