UMaine study cited in Cleveland.com article on economic effects of lead poisoning
A University of Maine study was cited in the Cleveland.com article, “A look at the steep costs of lead poisoning: Toxic neglect.” Lead poisoning, even at low levels, causes diminished intelligence and learning problems, according to the article. It causes some of the largest economic effects from the toxin — loss of earnings and lost tax revenue, economists say. The UMaine study found that children born in 2008 that were exposed to lead would earn nearly $240 million less throughout their lifetimes as a result of the cognitive deficits they suffered related to lead, the article states. The study was conducted by former UMaine environmental economist and researcher Mary Davis.