THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE STATEMENT below has knocked me cold. This from the Wednesday Gleaner On-line: 'Research has also linked lead poisoning to violent and criminal behaviour. The United States Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in 1991 set blood lead levels at 10 micrograms per decilitre as the acceptable standard, but now propose to lower that level'.
Please follow this up. Do not let it die. Jamaica's alarming statistics for crime, especially in Kingston and St. Catherine, and the possible link to lead poisoning makes me shudder.
We only know of the reported cases, what about those that are not? I have a suspicion that these lead-influenced people have come of age and now fall within the age group of the individuals committing heinous crimes in Jamaica.
Could (or have) a study be done to see if the numbers of inmates and other criminals past and present were from those areas with lead poisoning? I know that lead is not the only cause for violent and criminal behaviour, but Jamaica's high rate of offences, especially in the Kingston, St. Andrew and St. Catherine area, makes me very curious.
Also, is there any significant correlation between the academic performance of students and the area they are from? I am making reference to the fact that your article said lead poisoning affects 'neurological processes'.
I would like to see these issues explored. Also, the results of this could affect the 'Payment by Performance' scheme for teachers being done by the Government. It would be interesting to see how certain secondary schools filled with lots of inner-city students from violent and depraved areas fare against GSAT-selected elites.
I am, etc.,
GARY DUNN
xibes@yahoo.co.uk.
Papine, St. Andrew.
Via Go-Jamaica
