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Lead exists naturally in the environment, but can be very harmful for human health when it exists in unnaturally high levels. When lead particles are released from industrial sources, like car exhaust or gas pumps at service stations, these particles can travel through the air before settling on the ground and sticking to soil, allowing it to persist in the environment. These lead particles are hazardous to people when they exist in the environment at high levels and these pollutants are extremely difficult to eradicate.
The use of leaded gasoline in the United States began in the late 1920's and was outlawed by the late 1970's. While leaded gasoline has not been used in the United States for nearly 50 years, its negative impacts on the environment and human health have left a lasting impression on the Omaha community
In this Story Map, we will discuss the geographic distribution of gas stations and major road systems throughout Omaha from the 1920's to the 1970's, when leaded gasoline was legal in the United States and compare this data to demographics from the 1950's and discuss implications for environmental justice.
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