Lead Led Crime

The University of Cincinnati found a correlation between early-aged lead exposure and higher criminal arrests in adulthood. Children from four prenatal clinics that were born between 1974 through 1984 were monitored by the University of Cincinnati since their birth throughout their adult lives.

Researchers found that individuals with increased blood-lead levels before birth and during early childhood had higher rates of arrest—for both violent and total crimes—than the rest of the study population after age 18.

Approximately 55 percent of the subjects had at least one arrest—the majority of which involved drugs (28 percent) or serious motor vehicle violations (27 percent). The strongest association between childhood blood-lead level and criminal behavior was for arrests involving acts of violence.

Original article can be found here
Research Links Lead Exposure and Criminal Behavior Risk

Though it was mentioned briefly at the end of the article, it should be stressed that the living conditions of children are just as crucial as the methods of their upbringing. This finding should raise the awareness of city officials and citizens alike, as it is plausible that houses with potential lead problems would be found in lower income areas where lower quality houses would be affordable. Clearly the "activities" (drug dealing, prostitution, etc.) associated with lower income areas are not the only influences that lead to crime in Cincinnati. While legislation across the majority of states throughout the United States are aware of the seriousness of lead poisoning and have means to prevent or aid children who have been exposed to led, there is little example of proactive methods that am inform communities. Advertisements (television, radio, etc.) similar to the anti-drug ads would be an effective medium to exemplify the significance of lead poisoning and potential criminality. A more costly and time consuming method (but possibly more effective) would for environmental investigators to visit at risk, low income neighborhoods aiming to isolate and eliminate lead sources.