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The Impact of Lead Exposure on Fertility, Infant Mortality, and Infant Birth Outcomes

Author

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  • Karen Clay
  • Alex Hollingsworth
  • Edson R. Severnini

Abstract

Lead exposure has detrimental effects on fertility, infants, children, and adults. Despite the success in removing lead from on-road gasoline, industrial and aviation emissions continue to pose a substantial global challenge. Other major sources of exposure include dust, soil resuspension, and consumption of contaminated water or food. Both animal studies and evidence from humans support claims of an adverse relationship between lead pollution and human health. Since lead exposure is not randomly assigned, quasi-experimental studies play a crucial role in this knowledge base. Among these studies, extensive research links elevated blood lead levels in children to academic and behavioral outcomes, but more limited attention has been given to lead’s impact on fertility, infant mortality, and infant health. This paper examines the existing quasi-experimental literature on lead and fertility, infant mortality, and infant birth outcomes, highlighting key results, methods, and implications for policymakers.

Suggested Citation

  • Karen Clay & Alex Hollingsworth & Edson R. Severnini, 2023. "The Impact of Lead Exposure on Fertility, Infant Mortality, and Infant Birth Outcomes," NBER Working Papers 31379, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:31379
    Note: CH DEV EEE EH
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    Cited by:

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    2. Fletcher, Jason & Noghanibehambari, Hamid, 2025. "Early-life lead exposure and male longevity: Evidence from historical municipal water systems," Explorations in Economic History, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    3. Clay, Karen & Severnini, Edson & Wang, Xiao, 2025. "The Hidden Toll of Airborne Lead: Infant Mortality Impacts of Industrial Lead Pollution," IZA Discussion Papers 18090, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy

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