Cleveland, Ohio has one of the worst lead problems in the nation…it also has one of the highest crime rates. A recent news series in Cleveland is now presenting the overwhelming evidence that these two issues are connected.
The link between childhood lead exposure and crime has long been established, evidenced by research in multiple countries that shows crime rates mirroring lead exposure rates. In the United States, the phase-out of lead in gasoline was followed by dramatic declines in crime.

Exposure to lead in childhood inhibits brain development, specifically in areas related to emotion regulation, impulse control, and judgment. These skills (or lack of) play a role in criminal behavior and decision-making, particularly for juveniles, whose brains are still developing. In fact, the article describes a study that showed that convicted juvenile delinquents had eight times as much lead in their bones as youth who had not been in trouble. WCCF produced a brief on lead exposure in 2009 which stated that “childhood lead poisoning may be correlated with 88% of the variation in violent crime rates in the U.S. over several decades.”

Although lead poisoning seems like a problem of the past, many children are still exposed to lead in their homes and child care centers. In addition to the negative health consequences of lead poisoning, the connection to crime provides an even greater incentive to prevent children from coming into contact with lead. For more information on lead poisoning prevention and lead-safe renovation, visit Lead-Safe Wisconsin. by Karissa Propson