Lead poisoning: the epidemic hitting the US juvenile justice system

Not all behavioural issues that lead to juvenile delinquency are hereditary. In fact, there are behavioural issues that can be prevented, such as lead poisoning, that affect the likelihood of juvenile delinquency. This article focuses on the relationship between elevated juvenile lead exposures leading to lead poisoning, specifically its effects on a child’s body, and juvenile delinquency. The author explains how only a small amount of lead is needed to elevate lead levels in juveniles, including a discussion of several nationwide reports conducted to inform the public of this once trending epidemic and since its known existence, whether there have been sufficient changes to drastically lower levels amongst families. The article concludes with a public service message of ways to prevent lead poisoning in one’s home.