Grantee Research Project Results

2004 Progress Report: Early Exposure to Lead and Adult Antisocial Outcome

EPA Grant Number: R829389C004
Subproject: this is subproject number 004 , established and managed by the Center Director under grant R829389
(EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
Center: CECEHDPR - University of Cincinnati Center for the Study of Prevalent Neurotoxicants in Children
Center Director: Lanphear, Bruce
Title: Early Exposure to Lead and Adult Antisocial Outcome
Investigators: Lanphear, Bruce , Wright, John D. , Ris, Douglas , Dietrich, Kim , Hornung, Richard
Current Investigators: Ris, Douglas
Institution: Children Hospital of Cincinnati , University of Cincinnati
Current Institution: University of Cincinnati
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: November 1, 2001 through October 31, 2006
Project Period Covered by this Report: November 1, 2003 through October 31, 2004
RFA: Centers for Children's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Research (2001) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Children's Health , Human Health

Objective:

The objective of this research project is to examine the effects of early childhood lead exposure in young adults. The specific aims are listed below.

Specific Aim 1

To ascertain the relationship between early lead exposure and antisocial behavior in young adulthood through a followup of a birth cohort of lead-exposed children into adulthood.

Following covariate adjustment:

Hypothesis 1A. There will be a significant relationship between pre- and postnatal lead levels and criminal activities (official record and self-report).

Hypothesis 1B. There will be a significant relationship between pre- and postnatal lead levels and diagnosis of Substance Abuse Disorder.

Hypothesis 1C. There will be a significant relationship between pre- and postnatal lead levels and diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder.

Specific Aim 2

Employing path analysis procedures, we will determine if academic performance and executive functioning partially mediate the relationship between early lead exposure and adult antisocial behavior.

Hypothesis 2A. Low reading scores during adolescence and low grade attainment will predict adult antisocial behavior.

Hypothesis 2B. Weak executive functioning in adolescence will predict adult antisocial behavior.

Hypothesis 2C. Combined reading and executive weaknesses will predict more severe antisocial outcome.

Progress Summary:

Participation Rate

The participation rate has been excellent. As shown in Table 1, as of this report, 127 subjects have been seen, and recruitment continues at the expected rate. Official record searches have been completed for the entire sample.

Table 1. Population Enrolled in the Study: Early Exposure to Lead and
Adult Antisocial Outcome

	American Indian or Alaskan Native	Asian or Pacific Islander	Black, not of Hispanic Origin	Hispanic	White, not of Hispanic Origin	Other or Unknown	TOTAL
Female	0	0	67	0	5	0	72
Male	0	0	51	0	4	0	55
Unknown	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
TOTAL	0	0	118	0	8	0	127

Significance of Findings

There is a manuscript in preparation to be submitted for publication within the next 3 months. This paper presents the analyses of the official record data on the entire sample. Significant relationships were found between indices of early lead exposure and official contacts with the police and judicial system. These relationships still were evident after covariate adjustment and indicate an effect of early lead exposure on increased risk for illegal behaviors in adulthood.

Future Activities:

During the next year, we will continue to collect data for the self-report and psychiatric diagnostic interview measures. We also intend to publish one manuscript on the official record data, present some of our findings at a national conference, and develop plans for follow-up grants.

Journal Articles:

No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 11 publications for this subproject

Supplemental Keywords:

toxicology, ADHD behavioral assessment, behavioral deficit, genetic susceptibility, pesticides, biomarkers, environmental agents, exposure, exposure assessment, hearing loss, lead, meconium, neurotoxicity, pesticide exposure, risk assessment, toxicants,, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Health, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Toxicology, Health Risk Assessment, Chemistry, Risk Assessments, Children's Health, Biology, Risk Assessment, behavioral assessment, lead, pesticides, neurotoxicity, children, toxicity, behavioral deficits, biological markers, exposure assessment, biomarker

Relevant Websites:

http://www.healthyhomestoday.com Exit
http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/research/project/enviro Exit

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

Main Center Abstract and Reports:

R829389 CECEHDPR - University of Cincinnati Center for the Study of Prevalent Neurotoxicants in Children

Subprojects under this Center: (EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
R829389C001 Neurobehavioral Effects of Prevalent Toxicants in Children
R829389C002 Validation of Meconium Markers of Fetal Neurotoxicant Exposures
R829389C003 Community-Based Research Project Identifying Residential Hazards Using Home Test Kits
R829389C004 Early Exposure to Lead and Adult Antisocial Outcome
R829389C005 Magnetic Resonance Assessment of Brain Function Altered by Lead Exposure

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.