A new look at neighborhoods near National Priorities List sites

A geodemographic database can assess characteristics of communities by providing (1) annual demographic estimates for these small areas, and (2) statistically based models that integrated consumer behavior and lifestyle data. When applied to neighborhoods proximate to National Priorities List (NPL) sites, information from a geodemographic database can inform environmental health risk assessments and aid in targeting health education activities. This study utilized such a database with 1999 census block group population estimates and neighborhood descriptors in the USA. We examined patterns of neighborhood type based on NPL site classification by activity and waste type (e.g., manufacturing, mining). Overall, block groups described as “Military Quarters” are at highest risk of being located near an NPL site. Other, distinct, neighborhood differences are described.