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Lead Linked To Homicide LevelBy Hwaa Irfan, Thu. Jun. 14, 2001IslamOnline.net May. 09, 2009 |
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 Some studies have found that lead, a toxic metal, may play a key role in homicides and other related crimes in the U.S. Likewise, studies have found that many low - income and public housing in the U.S. still contain high levels of the toxin. Along with cadmium and manganese, lead is considered to be neuro-toxic. When ingested by those who are poorly nourished, or via prenatal and neonatal or psychological stress factors, they can be susceptible to damage of the brain structures and deregulation of the essential neurotransmitters of the nervous system. Research done by Roger Masters (Government Department, Dartmouth College - Foundation for Neuroscience and Society) found that because lead and other toxic metals are retained in bone and brain cells, the uptake during fetal development and early childhood results in long-lasting effects on development and behavior. Lead also reduces dopamine function and glutamate (Masters, p.2). This is significant because dopamine is a neurotransmitter, which facilitates many types of behaviors, including movement and emotional response. Glutamate is an amino acid found in proteins, and deals with the body's metabolism and long-term learning associated with the hippocampus (the ridges along the brain that form part of the limbic system which governs self- preservation, reproduction and the expression of fear and rage). The Masters study found that, in different samples of prison inmates, violent offenders had significantly higher levels of lead, cadmium or manganese in head hair than the control subjects. In addition, a substantial proportion of individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) have also been found to have high levels of lead, manganese, or cadmium in bodily tissues (Masters, p.2, 3). In fact, the falling rate of violent crime in the past years may be related to the ban on leaded gasoline imposed in the 1970's (Master, p.3). However, the high levels of lead found in soil can be attributed to past emissions (NSC, p.1). The Masters study also finds that between 1977 and 1999 the levels of violent crime and teenage homicide showed significant correlation with the likelihood of earlier prenatal and infant exposure to leaded gasoline. Exposure to lead can take place through deteriorating paint and dust, air, drinking water, food and contaminated soil. Airborne lead enters the body when inhaled or when lead particles and dust are swallowed once they have settled (NSC, p.1). A further study published last month (March 2001) also linked high levels of airborne lead with higher rates of homicide. The research study authored by Colorado State sociologist Paul Stretsky and Michael Lynch of the University of South Florida, included data from all 3,111 U.S. counties. Factors of poverty, race and other air pollutants, as well as educational levels were factored out in analysis. The study showed that the counties with the highest levels of airborne lead corresponded with the highest homicide levels at a ratio of 4:1. The study used 1990 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data and correlated it with data from the mortality files of the National Center for Health Statistics. Last month, the Bush Administration announced that it would uphold the regulations set forth by the Clinton Administration, which require more businesses to report releases of lead or lead compounds into the environment. However, recent studies have turned up more sources of lead. A study by Jerome Nriagu, professor of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, found that candles bought from stores in South East Michigan were made with wicks that contain lead or have lead cores. Fifteen different brands of the candles made in the U.S., Mexico and China were found to contain lead. Lead emissions in the rooms where the candles are made were found to be from 0.5 to 327 micrograms per hour. After burning the candles for one hour, lead levels measured at 0.04 - 13.1 micrograms per cubic meter. After 5 hours, lead levels ranged from 0.21 - 65.3 micrograms per cubic meter. The candles produced in China and the U.S. released the highest levels of lead into the air. EPA recommendations state that 1.5 micrograms per cubic meter are a safe level. Independent consultant in Australia, Mike van Alphen of Lead Sense, examined a single brand sold in Australia which emitted up to 1,1130 micrograms of lead. Our children remain vulnerable, as early accidental exposure results in long-term problems. The young central nervous system is sensitive. When lead enters a small child's body it can damage the kidneys, impair hearing, cause nausea, generate headaches and appetite loss, increase blood pressure and sleeping problems, induce muscle and joint pain and instigate mood changes (NSC, p.1). Some of the most damaging neuro-psychological effects of lead poisoning include learning disabilities, reduced psychometric intelligence and behavioral disorders. House dust is recognized as a primary pathway of childhood lead exposure through hand-to-mouth activities (Reves, p.2). The Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 requires that most homebuyers and renters receive known information on lead-based paint hazards in buildings built before 1978. Sellers and landlords are required to provide a lead-based paint disclosure form and the federal pamphlet "Protect Your family From Lead In Your Home" to the renter or buyer before they sign the lease or agreement to the property (NSC, p.2, 3). Sources:
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