29 Mar 2017

Lead Exposure Linked To Lower IQ

From Afternoons, 1:23 pm on 29 March 2017

The latest research from the University of Otago's Dunedin Study, shows children's exposure to lead is linked to lower IQ. 

Extremely high levels of lead in New Zealand cities in the 1970s and 1980s appear responsible for a loss of intelligence and occupational standing among today's adults.The research shows that among more than 500 children who grew up in the era of leaded petrol, those exposed to lead had a lower IQ and social standing by the age of 38, compared to people who had less exposure.

Senior author Professor Terrie Moffitt is associate director of the Dunedin Study.

Air pollution from a car's exhaust pipe (file photo)

Photo: 123RF