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Lead Poisoning and The Bell Curve

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  • Nevin, Rick

Abstract

A robust environmental health literature demonstrates that preschool lead exposure can cause neurodevelopmental damage and associated adverse impacts on IQ, education, and behavior. Cognitive psychology research also shows an association between IQ and education and behavior risks, but finds that IQ is largely inherited. The impact of lead exposure was barely acknowledged in a fierce debate over IQ after the 1994 publication of The Bell Curve, but subsequent research has shown that trends in behavior linked to IQ in The Bell Curve have tracked lead exposure trends across decades and around the world. Preschool lead exposure trends continue to predict global crime trends and USA trends in education attainment, mental retardation, and teenage pregnancy. Evidence from temporal analyses and other lead toxicity research suggest a causal relationship between lead exposure and important societal trends. Trends in tooth enamel formed in early childhood also confirm that The Bell Curve reflected birth years of extreme variation in lead exposure, resulting in extreme differences in estimated behavior risks associated with IQ. This evidence also presents a new perspective on cognitive research indicating that IQ is inherited.

Suggested Citation

  • Nevin, Rick, 2012. "Lead Poisoning and The Bell Curve," MPRA Paper 36569, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:36569
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rick Nevin & David Jacobs, 2006. "Windows of opportunity: Lead poisoning prevention, housing affordability, and energy conservation," Housing Policy Debate, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(1), pages 185-207.
    2. Nevin, Rick & Jacobs, David / E. & Berg, Michael & Cohen, Jonathan, 2007. "Monetary benefits of preventing childhood lead poisoning with lead-safe window replacement," MPRA Paper 35340, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Nevin, Rick, 2007. "Understanding international crime trends: The legacy of preschool lead exposure," MPRA Paper 35338, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    4. Nevin, Rick & Jacobs, David / E., 2006. "Windows of opportunity: lead poisoning prevention, housing affordability, and energy conservation," MPRA Paper 35342, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. Nevin, Rick, 1999. "How lead exposure relates to temporal changes in IQ, violent crime, and unwed pregnancy," MPRA Paper 35324, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    6. Nevin, Rick, 2010. "Energy-efficient housing stimulus that pays for itself," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(1), pages 4-11, January.
    7. Nevin, Rick, 2008. "Trends in preschool lead exposure, mental retardation, and scholastic achievement: association or causation?," MPRA Paper 35339, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    lead poisoning; IQ; abortion; teen pregnancy; crime; education;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q50 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - General

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