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Early-Life Lead Exposure and Male Longevity: Evidence from Historical Municipal Water Systems
Jason Fletcher1, Hamid Noghanibehambari2
1La Follette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1225 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706-1211, USA.
Explorations in Economic History
|July 14, 2025
Summary
Early life lead exposure significantly reduces old-age longevity, particularly in cities with high lead levels from water. This exposure also impacts cognitive ability and socioeconomic factors later in life.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Life-cycle impacts of early-life lead exposure are documented.
- Long-run effects on old-age mortality outcomes remain understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of early-life lead exposure on old-age longevity.
- To identify potential mechanisms linking lead exposure to mortality outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Social Security Administration death records linked to the 1940 census.
- Employed an instrumental variable strategy to estimate longevity reductions.
- Analyzed WWII enlistment data for cognitive ability impacts.
Main Results:
- Birth-city lead status negatively impacts old-age longevity, reducing it by approximately 9.6 months.
- Impacts are more pronounced in cities with acidic water and older infrastructure.
- Effects are concentrated on birth-city lead status, not later residence.
- Lead exposure is associated with reduced education, socioeconomic standing, income, and cognitive ability.
Conclusions:
- Early-life lead exposure has lasting negative effects on longevity and cognitive function.
- Water quality and infrastructure play a role in lead exposure severity.
- Findings highlight the critical importance of mitigating early-life lead exposure for long-term public health.
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