Lead exposure puts kids at an ‘excess risk’ of turning to life of crime: study

It’s really time to get the lead out.

A shocking new study has connected childhood lead exposure to “an excess risk for criminal behavior in adulthood,” according to researchers from George Washington University, particularly realted to “related to an arrest, incarceration or conviction of some type.”

“The impacts of lead exposure on the pediatric population are particularly severe,” read their report, published in Global Public Health, a Public Library of Science (PLOS) journal earlier this month, leading to the sort of “irreversible neurological impacts,” among other factors, that might predispose them to criminal behaviors.

Compared to adults, toxins accumulate more rapidly in children, as well as in the womb of pregnant women, because they have a hyper-permeable blood-brain barrier — a membrane that shields the brain from toxins and microbes in blood — in addition to the fact that their bodies are smaller and organs are underdeveloped.

Nervous system damage brought on by lead can contribute to a reduced “overall cognitive function” by lowering IQ and weakening memory, comprehension and reading abilities, while also prompting negative behavioral changes.

“Delinquent, criminal, and antisocial behavior” are just some of the detriments associated with the widespread industrial toxin. Cardiovascular, immune system damage and delayed growth were also noted by the authors.

When studied in animals, similar exposures had shown defects in memory, attention, sensory function, and “overall learning ability.”

Commons risks of lead are often found in imported paints and ceramics on children’s toys in addition to industrial waste in lower-income areas, according to the study.

In 2017, the Department of Education revealed that 83 percent of NYC schools had at least one water fixture with lead levels that exceeded federal safety limits.