Davidson College Prof Says Infrastructure Bill Could Reduce Crime Rate

Davidson College Economics Professor Siobhan O’Keefe says removing lead pipes does more than simply provide stimulus to a COVID-worn economy. Reducing lead exposure reduces the crime rate, making life in America safer.

“We know that when children are exposed to lead, they are more likely to have a variety of developmental problems and difficulties, like poor impulse control. Because of this, they are also more likely to commit crime as adults. Recent research shows that part of the reduction in crime that occurred at the end of the 20th century was likely due to the removal of lead from gasoline. So, though $45 billion is a lot of money to remove lead pipes, crime, particularly violent crime, is incredibly expensive—for victims and their families, for justice involved individuals and their families, and for taxpayers. Any intervention that can significantly decrease crime rates is likely going to pay for itself.”

https://www.davidson.edu/news/2021/09/27/infrastructure-bill-could-put-dent-crime-rate-expert-says