February 2016 PMID 26884052

The relationship between atmospheric lead emissions and aggressive crime: an ecological study.

Mark Patrick Taylor, Miriam K Forbes, Brian Opeskin, Nick Parr, Bruce P Lanphear

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Mentions

44
Peak: 3 in Jan 2019
across 7 sources since Sep 2017

Extended reach

14,735
potential audience

Total likes

5

Video views

471

Mentions per month

Sep 2017 – Sep 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News26 articles
  • X / Twitter9 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Facebook2 posts
  • Reddit2 posts
  • Blogs2 articles
  • Bluesky1 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Several posts highlight the significance of the study's findings, such as the mention that atmospheric lead accounted for nearly 30% of the variability in assault rates, which demonstrates interest and understanding of complex data. The tone varies from analytical to emotionally charged, especially with comments like 'ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?', emphasizing strong reactions to the perceived seriousness of lead pollution's effects on crime.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the validity and importance of the study linking lead exposure to crime, reflecting general agreement with its findings.

InterestHigh interest

There is high interest, with posts elaborating on the study's details, implications, and historical context of lead pollution.

EngagementModerate engagement

Posts show moderate engagement, with some referencing specific data points like the 29.8% variance in assault rates and historical pollution issues.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions recognize the potential societal impact, especially in terms of public health and crime prevention, yet mainly in a scientific context.

Abstract in brief

  • The study found a significant link between childhood lead exposure from environmental sources like petrol and increased rates of aggressive crimes such as assault and murder, even many years later.
  • Analyses at the suburb, state, and national levels showed that higher air lead concentrations in childhood explained a substantial portion of the variability in later criminal behavior, with lead exposure accounting for about 30% of the differences in assault and death by assault rates.
  • The findings suggest that reducing environmental lead exposure is crucial for public health and crime prevention, emphasizing the need for measures to limit contact with neurotoxic contaminants to improve long-term societal outcomes.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Rebecca
@Rebecca74083947 · X

@JunkScience ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME? https://t.co/aBNYnjvtzV

Oct 8, 2022 · 1 like · 1,140 followers View post →
pat bahn
@patbahn · X

@StarSurfer11 @zachdcarter https://t.co/lU1Oyyec68 So Mostly epidemiology but one or two tracking studies.

May 24, 2019 · 1 like · 769 followers View post →
Demografía (CSIC)
@Demografia_CSIC · X

RT @NickP1963: For anyone else watching Fahrenheit 11/9 exposure to lead in childhood has harmful effects. Our paper shows it's association…

Jan 30, 2019 · 2 shares · 9,179 followers View post →
Nick Parr
@NickP1963 · X

For anyone else watching Fahrenheit 11/9 exposure to lead in childhood has harmful effects. Our paper shows it's association with higher aggressive crime. The relationship between atmospheric lead emissions and aggressive crime: an ecological study https://t.co/qIOGGdpIUm #

Jan 30, 2019 · 2 shares · 1,635 followers View post →
I'm your Huckleberry S2
@IdwarfRedwoods · X

@iamsean90 Not saying it’s the sole cause, your position is clearly correct, but this study does a better job of assessing: The relationship between atmospheric lead emissions and aggressive crime: an ecological study https://t.co/mUTbvZrO5M

May 15, 2024 · 608 followers View post →
Ben Williams
@BAWilliams85 · X

RT @NickP1963: For anyone else watching Fahrenheit 11/9 exposure to lead in childhood has harmful effects. Our paper shows it's association…

Jan 30, 2019 · 2 shares · 576 followers View post →

All mentions

C.
@coralieaudrey · X

@StefVoglis @Petitscarab2 @ElsasserMat @DeBunKerEtoiles @DuboisH97551387 @TomDrach @le20hfrancetele J’avoue, les mecs ils se cassent le Q à faire des études stats sur 25 ans d’observations pour faire des blagues https://t.co/UyTq3m1NL4 https://t.co/3zXYAE5CR8

Sep 11, 2025 · 21 followers View post →
Walter
@walterkatz.bsky.social · Bluesky

Understanding the drivers of violent crime is an important. “The relationship between atmospheric lead emissions and aggressive crime: an ecological study” analyses showed air lead concentrations accounted for 29.8% of the variance in assault rates 21 years later. link.springer.com/article/10.1...

Jul 10, 2024 · 1 share View post →
I'm your Huckleberry S2
@IdwarfRedwoods · X

@iamsean90 Not saying it’s the sole cause, your position is clearly correct, but this study does a better job of assessing: The relationship between atmospheric lead emissions and aggressive crime: an ecological study https://t.co/mUTbvZrO5M

May 15, 2024 · 608 followers View post →
Rebecca
@Rebecca74083947 · X

@JunkScience ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME? https://t.co/aBNYnjvtzV

Oct 8, 2022 · 1 like · 1,140 followers View post →
.
@UseTechForGood · X

@Atticus_75 @lightfootclan @ZubyMusic Leaded petrol was a huge issue. Lead pollution from its use is still causing problems. Lead petrol emissions in the two most populous states accounted for 34.6 and 32.6 % of the variance in death by assault rates 18 years later. https://t.co/5RczauMfVf

Apr 26, 2021 · 267 followers View post →
Cardinal of the Sun
@SunCardinal · X

Evidence on the lead-crime hypothesis: https://t.co/Ghd79Kv3cm

Sep 13, 2019 · 55 followers View post →
pat bahn
@patbahn · X

@StarSurfer11 @zachdcarter https://t.co/lU1Oyyec68 So Mostly epidemiology but one or two tracking studies.

May 24, 2019 · 1 like · 769 followers View post →
Ben Williams
@BAWilliams85 · X

RT @NickP1963: For anyone else watching Fahrenheit 11/9 exposure to lead in childhood has harmful effects. Our paper shows it's association…

Jan 30, 2019 · 2 shares · 576 followers View post →
Demografía (CSIC)
@Demografia_CSIC · X

RT @NickP1963: For anyone else watching Fahrenheit 11/9 exposure to lead in childhood has harmful effects. Our paper shows it's association…

Jan 30, 2019 · 2 shares · 9,179 followers View post →
Nick Parr
@NickP1963 · X

For anyone else watching Fahrenheit 11/9 exposure to lead in childhood has harmful effects. Our paper shows it's association with higher aggressive crime. The relationship between atmospheric lead emissions and aggressive crime: an ecological study https://t.co/qIOGGdpIUm #

Jan 30, 2019 · 2 shares · 1,635 followers View post →