Several studies have drawn a connection between living in neighborhoods that were subject to redlining, the historic discriminatory mortgage lending practices instituted in the 1930s, and an increased likelihood that a resident will suffer from asthma today. Experts say the historic systems and structures which pushed many African Americans into redlined communities affect many Cleveland and Akron residents who live in the Ohio Valley Asthma Belt today.
Cleveland has begun certifying rental properties under the lead-safe housing law passed in 2019, as advocates seek federal dollars to help landlords afford to remediate the toxic paint that’s found in many Northeast Ohio homes.