The above graphic shows that two study groups -- one whose members were tested and whose high levels led to an intervention and another that had no intervention -- differed markedly in the amount of violent crime each group was involved in. Relevant conclusion? Lead exposure contributes mightily to violent crime.
Kevin Drum wrote up this study in his Mother Jones piece, which contains a link to the whole study. It's a good and important read.
My takeaway? Flint, Michigan, notwithstanding, get the lead out. There's still a ways to go, especially in aging urban areas. Also, studies like this contribute to our understanding of why crime has dropped so much in the past 25 years. Here's a good look at various theories about violent crime reduction.
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