Lead, IQ and the Wealth of Nations

Ever notice that the politically correct attack any discussion of IQ as unscientific and racist, until the discussion turns to lead? Merely mention lead and the liberals will readily quote studies (for once correctly) showing that even low levels of lead can reduce the IQ of children by 4 to 7 points. For some reason, the objections of test bias, multiple intelligences, and racism disappear in this context.

Here is a New York Times article noting that most of sub-Saharan Africa continues to use leaded gasoline, despite findings from Africa and elsewhere that lead causes higher levels of strokes, heart attacks and other ailments as well as reducing children’s IQ.

Would it be racist to suggest that the recent trend to ban leaded gasoline in Africa could eventually lead to higher economic growth as well as better health?

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