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Correlations between Educational Struggle, Toxic Sites by School District and Demographic Variables, with Geographical Information System Projections

Author

Listed:
  • Junu Shrestha

    (School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability, and Public Health, University of Illinois, Springfield, IL 62703, USA)

  • Raihan K. Khan

    (Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Behavioral Studies, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, USA)

  • Shane McClintock

    (Clinton County Environmental Health Department, Clinton County, DeWitt, IA 52742, USA)

  • John DeGroote

    (Department of Geography, College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614, USA)

  • Catherine L. Zeman

    (Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Behavioral Studies, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, USA)

Abstract

This correlational study associated data on children enrolled in individualized educational plans in their K-12 schools (IEP) and an algorithm-calculated score of neurotoxins at contaminated sites located in each school district. The study also mapped and projected the correlations using Geographical Information System (GIS) technology. These data were populated in ArcMap 10.5 (a GIS software) for generating maps and data to conduct geospatial analysis. A total of 1 Superfund site and 39 CERCLA sites were identified as contaminated sites for this analysis. The majority of contaminants were heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium. The mean toxic score of all contaminated sites combined was 13.4 (SD 14.4). Correlational analysis between the IEP numbers from each school district and toxic scores from the contaminated school district sites exhibited a positive relationship (F = 23.7, p < 0.0001). Correlations were also seen among higher toxics scores, IEP numbers, and children under the age of 10 ( p < 0.00052) as well as higher proportions of black students in areas with high toxics scores ( p = 0.0032). Black students were also far more likely to be enrolled in an IEP ( p < 0.0001). Household income and poverty percentage in contaminated areas were also correlated ( p = 0.0002). Individuals without college degrees were overrepresented in high toxic score school districts ( p < 0.0001). The important low socio-economic status indicator of free and reduced lunch programs also correlated with increasing toxic scores ( p = 0.0012) and IEP numbers ( p = 0.0416). This study emphasizes the need to account for multiple exposures to wholistically appreciate environmental factors contributing to negative health outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Junu Shrestha & Raihan K. Khan & Shane McClintock & John DeGroote & Catherine L. Zeman, 2023. "Correlations between Educational Struggle, Toxic Sites by School District and Demographic Variables, with Geographical Information System Projections," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(24), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:24:p:7160-:d:1296989
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mohai, P. & Lantz, P.M. & Morenoff, J. & House, J.S. & Mero, R.P., 2009. "Racial and socioeconomic disparities in residential proximity to polluting industrial facilities: evidence from the Americans' Changing Lives Study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(S3), pages 649-656.
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