Accountability matters. Strong policing matters. Successful prosecutions matter. But real public safety also requires prevention — especially addressing environmental dangers that science has connected to violent crime for decades. One of the strongest and most consistent findings is the link between childhood lead exposure and later violent behavior.
This is not speculation or politics. It is one of the most well-established conclusions in public health and criminology. Lead harms the developing brain, especially the areas responsible for impulse control, attention and emotional regulation. Even low levels of exposure increase the risk of aggression, learning challenges and problems with focus — issues we see far too often in the justice system.
The danger is silent and long-lasting. Lead changes how children learn, act and respond to stress, often without any immediate signs. Ignoring this science, especially in a city fighting to keep young people safe and on the right path, is simply irresponsible…