Life after Lead: Effects of Early Interventions for Children Exposed to Lead

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Billings, Stephen B.; Schnepel, Kevin T.
• 署名单位: University of Colorado System; University of Colorado Boulder; University of Sydney
• 刊物名称: AMERICAN ECONOMIC JOURNAL-APPLIED ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 1945-7782
• DOI: 10.1257/app.20160056
• 发表日期: 2018
• 页码: 315-344
• 关键词: academic-achievement evidence; residential dust lead; follow-up; primary prevention; us children; randomized-trial; paint hazards; childhood; HEALTH; BEHAVIOR

摘要

Lead pollution is consistently linked to cognitive and behavioral impairments, yet little is known about the benefits of public health interventions for children exposed to lead. This paper estimates the long-term impacts of early life interventions (e.g., lead remediation, nutritional assessment, medical evaluation, developmental surveillance, and public assistance referrals) recommended for lead-poisoned children. Using linked administrative data from Charlotte, NC, we compare outcomes for children who are similar across observable characteristics but differ in eligibility for intervention due to blood lead test results. We find that the negative outcomes previously associated with early life exposure can largely be reversed by intervention.