Lead can have an effect on anyone; no one is immune to it. However, people living in communities of color and of lower socioeconomic status are disproportionately affected by lead contamination than others. This is a direct result of a “weak regulatory environment in combination with residential segregation, concentrated poverty, discrimination in housing markets, and neighborhood divestment”. 

A study conducted by Harvard from 1995 to 2013 of Chicago found that predominantly black neighborhoods have the highest blood lead levels and predominantly white neighborhoods have the lowest blood lead levels. Over time, disparities based on race decreased but still remain quantifiable. In general, those that live in an under served community may have unsafe housing and live within proximity of industrial facilities which release lead. For the case of those living on a rental property, they are subjected to the actions of their landlord, who is expected and legally required to keep up with safety regulations. Though, in the case that they do not, the tenant is very limited in what they can do regarding the presence of lead.

For 2023, the EPA implemented performance measures and milestones to identify areas with high lead concentration and then share that information with health partners in order to serve those that are most affected.

References:
https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/blog/is-lead-exposure-a-form-of-housing-inequality
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-10/Lead%20Strategy.pdf