Early Lead Exposure Linked to Adult Criminality

An analysis of 17 previously published studies reveals that lead exposure in the womb or throughout childhood is connected with an elevated risk of criminal behavior in adulthood—but additional evidence is needed to deepen understanding. Maria Jose Talayero Schettino and colleagues from George Washington University in the United States publish their findings in the open-access journal PLOS Global Public Health.

Lead poisoning can result in a range of health concerns, including cardiac problems, kidney damage, immune system malfunction, reproductive disorders, and reduced neurodevelopmental function in children. Research has also discovered statistical connections between lead exposure and criminal behavior, both at the population and individual levels. Individual-level research, on the other hand, have yielded inconclusive results.

Talayero Schettino and colleagues conducted a systematic assessment of research that address correlations between individual lead exposure and criminality or other antisocial behaviors to assist explain the available data. Their review included 17 studies that used various ways for assessing dangerous exposure—blood, bones, or teeth—and addressed the consequences of exposure at various ages, including in the womb or early infancy, later childhood, and adolescent or adulthood.

The review highlighted a diverse set of findings from the investigations. For example, no statistical correlations were identified between early childhood lead exposure and later delinquent conduct in some individuals. One study found a connection between exposure and antisocial behavior but not arrests. Nonetheless, some studies have established connections between early children lead exposure and subsequent arrests, including drug-related offenses. The authors also utilized a method called ROBINS-E to assess each study for statistical bias, and discovered that some studies were statistically more robust than others.

Overall, given the known biological consequences of lead, this research shows that an individual exposed to lead in the womb or early infancy may be more likely to engage in criminal activity as an adult.

Based on their findings, the researchers conclude that more individual-level evidence is needed to have a better understanding of the correlations observed in the 17 studies they examined. However, policy action to prevent lead exposure is critical to protecting public health.

The authors add, “Policy action to prevent lead exposure is of utmost importance as our research shows an excess risk for criminal behavior in adulthood exists when an individual is exposed to lead in utero or during childhood. Preventing lead exposure is crucial to safeguard public health and promote a safer society for all.”

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