PITTSBURGH UNLEADED
PITTSBURGH, PA | 2022

This data visualization piece was commissioned by Women for a Healthy Environment for the Get the Lead Out “Pittsburgh Unleaded” campaign, championing safe lead conditions. Pittsburgh being known for its steel history has been heavily impacted by lead in the long run — now affecting our children + how they learn / grow. Janel Young previously worked on digital data visualization in a corporate setting during her time as a Digital Strategist. Working with teams across the globe to present data stories to clients was nothing new, but a more original spin on the visual representation was welcomed!

This vinyl mural celebrates the 2022 lead ordinance that was passed to protect kids from lead in the places they live + play, in the water they drink, through lead-safe repairs + lead-safe demolitions. It also educates people on the facts through technology + colors: the colors in the background represent the percentage of children affected by lead poisoning in the region (based on 2016-2020 aggregate data). The QR code embedded into the design drives passersby to gettheleadoutpgh.org.

Green/yellow represents the Asian/Pacific Islander population, orange into magenta shows the Black population + blue displays the White population. In comparison to the population of the region, it is noted that Black children are more heavily impacted by lead poisoning.

Photos by Janel Young