Myth of free will?

[caraher]

15. It's not a single study

Please do read the whole article... Many independent studies looking at many levels of detail find this same, robust correlation between lead emissions from gasoline and subsequent crime rates. Moreover, ongoing research on biological effects of lead exposure show that "even moderately high levels of lead exposure are associated with aggressivity, impulsivity, ADHD, and lower IQ. And right there, you've practically defined the profile of a violent young offender."

It's a truly shocking conclusion and one drawn by many researchers using techniques ranging from epidemiology to neurology. There's not only statistical correlation, there is also a very well-documented biological mechanism.

Note further that while what you say is true that lead exposure is higher in poorer neighborhoods, that doesn't explain changes in crime rates over time in those neighborhoods. The gasoline lead hypothesis does, remarkably well.