Work

Do Low Levels of Blood Lead Reduce Children's Future Test Scores?

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: We construct a unique individual-level dataset linking preschool blood lead levels with third grade test scores for Rhode Island children born 1997-2005. Using two identification strategies, we show for the first time that reductions of lead from even historically low levels have significant positive effects. A one-unit decrease in average blood lead levels reduces the probability of being substantially below proficient in reading (math) by 0.96 (0.79) percentage points on a baseline of 12 (16) percent. Since disadvantaged children have greater exposure to lead, lead poisoning may be one of the causes of continuing disparities in test scores.

Source: American Economic Journal Applied Economics

DOI: 10.1257/app.20160404

Authors: Anna Aizer, Janet Currie, Peter Simon, Patrick Vivier

Institutions: National Bureau of Economic Research, Brown University, Princeton University

Language: English

Topic: Heavy Metal Exposure and Toxicity

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development