What can possibly explain why violent crimes are committed? Do you wonder after reading a tragic news article what on earth could possibly cause a person to commit such a horrendous crime? If so, you are not alone. Many professionals have dedicated their careers searching for an answer and resolution to violent crime, and there are many theories as to why crime has continued to go down in the last decade or more.
In a very interesting article, Kevin Drum suggests that the lead link to violence is stronger than other arguments, in his article, America’s Real Criminal Element: Lead, he writes about the growing body of evidence (including from other countries) that shows “gasoline lead” (and subsequent reduction of lead) is responsible for a good share of the rise and fall of violent crime over the past half century. As auto sales skyrocketed after World War II, so did the introduction of leaded gasoline to our environments.Researcher Jessica Wolpaw Reyes found that when states leaded gasoline consumption declined slowly, crime also declined slowly. Where it declined quickly, crime did the same. In fact, Drum suggests this is the only factor in which the correlation is consistent across time and across cultures/countries!
The implications of children’s exposure to lead (gasoline, paint, and other environmental situations) are well established in terms of being a substantial risk factor for various complications later in life, such as a lower IQ, hyperactivity, behavioral problems and learning disabilities. As we have noted in prior blogs, and as is affirmed in Drum’s research, reducing children’s exposure to lead is one of the most identifiable and easily remedied factors in reducing a host of negative outcomes. Wisconsin should be investing more in prevention of exposure and testing of children at risk of exposure. There is a wealth of information through the Department of Health Services at its Lead-Safe Wisconsin site.
By: Katey Collins and Jim Moeser
