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Hartford Living
Lead Contamination in Barry Square: What Residents Should Know
BarrySquare.com
A recent study from the University of Vermont has found elevated levels of lead in the soil of several Hartford neighborhoods, including Barry Square. The study, published in June 2026, tested 140 soil samples across the city. Of those, 40 samples exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency's safety level of 200 parts per million.
Barry Square was one of the neighborhoods included in the study, alongside Northeast, Clay Arsenal, and Asylum Hill. Researchers linked the contamination to historical redlining, a discriminatory practice that denied mortgages and investment to predominantly Black and minority neighborhoods for much of the 20th century. The study found that soil around older multifamily housing was more likely to have elevated lead levels than single family housing, with Hispanic households and communities of color identified as particularly at risk. This legacy of disinvestment has left a measurable impact on the soil in these areas.
Lead exposure is a serious health risk, particularly for children. According to the study's authors, lead causes permanent neurological damage, affecting memory, behavior, and cognitive capacity. Children are most vulnerable because their developing bodies absorb lead more easily.
If you live in Barry Square or nearby, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. The study's lead author, Dr. Nicolas Perdrial, recommends the following:
Barry Square was one of the neighborhoods included in the study, alongside Northeast, Clay Arsenal, and Asylum Hill. Researchers linked the contamination to historical redlining, a discriminatory practice that denied mortgages and investment to predominantly Black and minority neighborhoods for much of the 20th century. The study found that soil around older multifamily housing was more likely to have elevated lead levels than single family housing, with Hispanic households and communities of color identified as particularly at risk. This legacy of disinvestment has left a measurable impact on the soil in these areas.
Lead exposure is a serious health risk, particularly for children. According to the study's authors, lead causes permanent neurological damage, affecting memory, behavior, and cognitive capacity. Children are most vulnerable because their developing bodies absorb lead more easily.
If you live in Barry Square or nearby, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. The study's lead author, Dr. Nicolas Perdrial, recommends the following:
- Do not let children play in bare soil close to older homes.
- Have children wash their hands after playing outside.
- Remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in contaminated soil.
- Consider having your soil tested if you are concerned.
For more detailed guidance on protecting your family, see the CDC's page on lead in soil.
The City of Hartford offers a lead abatement program for qualifying homes. Residents can call 311 or email HartfordHealth@hartford.gov for more information. The program is available through November of this year.
This post is not meant to alarm, but to inform. Barry Square is a vibrant, growing neighborhood with active community groups, a strong identity, and momentum for positive change. Being aware of environmental health issues is part of being a responsible resident. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to the city's health department or your healthcare provider.
Resources:
https://www.courant.com/2026/06/26/new-study-finds-lead-contamination-in-historic-redlining-neighborhoods-in-hartford/
https://www.uvm.edu/gund/news/uvm-study-links-housing-race-income-soil-lead-exposure-two-northeast-cities
Lead, Race, & Redlining In Hartford
https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/prevention/soil.html
https://portal.ct.gov/dph/environmental-health/lead-poisoning-prevention-and-control/lead-poisoning-prevention-and-control-program?language=en_US
https://leadfreect.org/
The City of Hartford offers a lead abatement program for qualifying homes. Residents can call 311 or email HartfordHealth@hartford.gov for more information. The program is available through November of this year.
This post is not meant to alarm, but to inform. Barry Square is a vibrant, growing neighborhood with active community groups, a strong identity, and momentum for positive change. Being aware of environmental health issues is part of being a responsible resident. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to the city's health department or your healthcare provider.
Resources:
https://www.courant.com/2026/06/26/new-study-finds-lead-contamination-in-historic-redlining-neighborhoods-in-hartford/
https://www.uvm.edu/gund/news/uvm-study-links-housing-race-income-soil-lead-exposure-two-northeast-cities
Lead, Race, & Redlining In Hartford
https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/prevention/soil.html
https://portal.ct.gov/dph/environmental-health/lead-poisoning-prevention-and-control/lead-poisoning-prevention-and-control-program?language=en_US
https://leadfreect.org/
