Early life lead exposure from private well water increases juvenile delinquency risk among US teens

Abstract

Significance Public health agencies worldwide have determined that there is no safe level for children’s exposure to lead, a neurotoxin. This study shows that lead in drinking water from private wells is significantly associated with juvenile delinquency. Compared to children in homes with public water supplies, those relying on private wells have a 21% higher risk of any delinquency and a 38% increased risk of serious delinquency. The steepest increases in risk occur at the lowest exposure levels. The results highlight the need to prevent lead-leaching from well components, plumbing, and fixtures in the 13% of US households relying on private wells. They also suggest the need to decrease blood and environmental lead thresholds currently used to identify at-risk children.