EXPLORING QUALITATIVE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LEAD (PB) CONCENTRATIONS IN ROAD SEDIMENT AND ASPECTS OF CRIME STATISTICS IN LARGER URBAN CENTERS: ESTABLISHING FRAMEWORKS FOR DETAILED STATISTICAL ANALYSIS.

Lead (Pb) poses significant health risks to humans by affecting the brain and nervous systems, causing learning and behavioral problems. Children absorb Pb more easily than adults leading to effects on children's growth and development. Therefore, Pb exposure may contribute to societal issues such as increased crime rates in regions with high levels of Pb exposure. Pb can be found in different mediums such as paint, soil, road sediment, water, and air which pose risks even when small amounts are found. This research explores possible associations between the reported crime rate in the cities below and levels of Pb found in the environment in road sediment and additional media when available. Crime rates of sites where road sediment was analyzed for the occurrence of Pb were assessed qualitatively to explore potential quantitative paths forward for evaluating Pb concentrations and criminal statistics. Gary, IN is known for its steel industry which is believed to be a major contributor to the pollution that is found there today, disproportionately affecting African Americans who live near the industry. Gary, IN has reported crime rates, at times, over four times the national average this year. Philadelphia, PA is also known for its high crime rates and a history of shipping and industry contributing to its pollution. One of the major industries was Pb smelting and at one time had 36 smelters, making Pb pollution one of the major concerns in the area. Previous studies found high concentrations of Pb in bulk and finer soil samples in Fishtown, PA indicating pollution largely from paint and gasoline. Las Vegas, NV crime rates are up to twice the rate of the national average. Las Vegas, NV road sediment was collected indicating bulk concentrations of Pb were elevated environmentally, but lower than those in other studies. Pb concentrations in road sediment show a broad, qualitative correlation with aspects of crime in locations studied; however, more extensive sample populations of road sediment and more crime statistics with higher spatial resolution are required for more quantitative work. This initial assessment sets the stage for an extensive study of Pb concentrations in road sediment in urban areas and crime rates.