Toledo is a wonderful place to raise a family. There are numerous excellent schools and kid-friendly activities available. Additionally, there are affordable housing options and a genuine sense of community. However, like many older US cities, living here comes with some health considerations. Some neighborhoods carry more risk than others, for example, those with aging infrastructure or a history of industrial activity. Here are five of the local environmental dangers and how to protect your family.
Asbestos Exposure
If, like many properties in Toledo, your home was constructed or renovated before the mid-1980s, it could contain harmful toxins. Asbestos was used in insulation, floor tiles, and roofing for decades before being phased out and banned due to negative health effects.
Perhaps an even bigger concern comes from Toledo’s industrial past. Shipyards, oil refineries, and manufacturing plants across the region exposed workers to asbestos. Many Toledo parents and grandparents not only breathed in asbestos firsthand, but also carried home the fibers on their clothes. The symptoms of asbestos-related cancers like mesothelioma can take a long time to appear. Even today, people are being diagnosed after they were exposed over 20 to 50 years ago.
If you or a loved one is dealing with a diagnosis like mesothelioma, asbestos trust funds can help cover care costs. And if you’re planning home renovations, make sure to hire professionals to test for and safely remove asbestos before you begin.
Lead Pipes and Paint
Another potential worry about older Toledo homes is lead, which may have been used in pipes and paint. While it was banned for paint in 1978 and pipes in 1986, it may still be present in old plumbing systems or hiding under layers of fresh color. Even small amounts of lead can cause learning or behavioral problems in children as it affects brain development. To test for lead, use a home kit or contact the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department for help.
Water Contamination
The city gets its water from Lake Erie, which is prone to harmful algal blooms. The main culprit? Animal agriculture. Billions of gallons of manure from intensive “factory farms” pollute the lake basin, delivering huge amounts of nutrients like phosphorus, which fuel the blooms. These blooms can release microcystin, a neurotoxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and liver damage.
Another concern is aging sewer systems. As recently as June 2025, there was an E.Coli warning after the Maumee Watershed exceeded safe limits. To protect your family, use a certified water filter that removes lead, bacteria, and toxins. Stay updated with water quality alerts. To have a positive impact on the bigger environmental picture, stop funding animal agriculture and prioritize planet-friendly plant-based foods instead.
Endnote
When it comes to family life, Toledo has lots to offer. However, it’s important to be aware of any hazards lurking in the local area that could impact your family’s health. From filtering water to testing for toxins in your home, luckily, there are some simple ways you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 