2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Adult mental, physical, and emotional health awareness is more pronounced than ever before and often the direct reason well-being is adversely affected goes undiscovered. The purpose of this research was to bring cognizance to the potential that lead-dust may unknowingly play a significant role in the diminished quality of life some adults are experiencing. Using data analysis, this case study
catalogues interviews from adults residing in confirmed lead-based paint hazardous dwellings and cross-references health issues experienced through potential exposure to lead dust over time. Occupants living in these dwellings were found to exhibit higher degrees of unfavorable outcomes. This research suggested that adults living in conditions where lead-based painted surfaces were in a deteriorated state are more prone to exhibit negative well-being. The goal of this research was to collect enough data for purposeful examination and to discuss if a correlation exists, or not, between lead-based paint detection in older homes and adult peoples’ well-being.