Window photo by Rev. Xanatos Satanicos Bombasticos from flickr.com, used under a Creative Commons license.

I like to think I have a pretty good understanding of the dangers of lead exposure. I’m trained on renovation practices that limit exposure to lead paint. In college I studied environmental policy and learned the importance of the ban on leaded fuels. Despite this background, I was pretty surprised to learn just how strong the relationship is between lead exposure and crime rates. Kevin Drum, writing in Mother Jones, explores the research on lead exposure and IQ, violence, ADD/ADHD, and other factors.

When I first read, America’s Real Criminal Element: Lead, I was intrigued and brought a healthy skepticism. Could something so simple actually be true? Can we really pin the blame for so many of society’s problems on lead? And I have to say that I think the argument is pretty solid. Of course there are numerous other factors at play and removing lead from our lives is no panacea, but it certainly wouldn’t make matters any worse!

Have you read the article? If so, what do you think?