Lead Made Me Do It — A Valid Defense?

Lead Made Me Do It — A Valid Defense?

Here’s a new twist on the old Nature v. Nurture question: environmental lead has been found to interfere with the "neural mechanisms responsible for regulation of impulse," according to Dr. Herbert Needleman. Lead from drinking water, soil, fuel, and paint is known to adversely affect intelligence in children, but recent studies show that it can also lead to anti-social and even violent behavior.

Lead is particularly dangerous to children because it interferes with the developing brain. High levels of lead exposure usually require medical attention, but lasting harm to a child’s brain can occur at much lower, unnoticed levels.

A study of 190 juvenile delinquents found their bone lead levels to be significantly higher than those of other adolescents. Lead toxicity could be to blame for between 18 and 38 percent of adolescent criminal activity in Pittsburgh, says Dr. Needleman.

Children should be screened for lead annually to see if they have accumulated high amounts. Dr. Needleman suggests that one way to reduce crime is to reduce the lead levels in the environment of children.

My Comments:
I suggest an annual hair analysis to look for lead and other heavy metals. Body Detox is a way to help remove excess harmful minerals from the body daily. I use it and suggest that it be given to everyone on a prophylactic basis.

For more information on Body Detox, go to www.bodyhealth.com/html/body_detox/index.asp.

"Lead in Environment Causing Violent Crime — Study"
February 18, 2005
Reuters