Neurotoxicants and Behavior: Implications of ‘Toxicogenomics’ for Public Policy
ISBN: 978-1-80262-108-2, eISBN: 978-1-80262-107-5
Publication date: 21 November 2022
Abstract
Research at the intersection of neurotoxicology, cognitive neuroscience, genetics, and behavior – “toxicogenomics” – promises to improve understanding of behavior and public policies. Many toxicants modify neurotransmitters with effects depending on genotype, development, and experience. For example, lead and manganese downregulate dopaminergic or serotonergic function, weaken behavioral inhibition, and are positively correlated with hyperactivity (ADHD), substance abuse, or violent crime. Within this context, the chapter argues that neurotoxicology holds great promise for improving public policies in areas such as criminal justice and education. After discussing research methods, the chapter surveys previous work in neurotoxicology as it pertains to educational outcomes and to crime. Data are summarized linking: (1) children's blood lead levels with poor educational performance; (2) hair and blood levels of heavy metals with violent crime; and (3) uptake of multiple toxicants with pollution from abandoned mines. The chapter concludes by drawing lessons for ongoing research agendas at the intersection of neurotoxins, behavior, and policy.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgments
The research reported here has depended on many others, though I alone am responsible for the judgments expressed in the current article. My research on toxins and crime was originally funded by the E.P.A. Office of Criminal Enforcement, where Martin Topper was exceptionally helpful. Massachusetts blood lead data were collected under the direction of Dr. James Sargent of the Dartmouth Medical School and Prof. Adrian Bailey, who kindly made them available. Christopher Covel, an outstanding geologist, led me to the deceptively beautiful lands of Lake Chibougamau, Quebec – and in so doing, introduced me (to the limit of available funds) to studying the awesome pollution challenging the extraordinary Oujé-bougoumou Cree and Kanesatake Mohawk. Last but not least, I thank the many Dartmouth students who have assisted in the preparation and preliminary analysis of the data that are described here, and Peter Meiers for bringing German research to the attention of my colleague, Myron Coplan.
Citation
Masters, R.D. (2022), "Neurotoxicants and Behavior: Implications of ‘Toxicogenomics’ for Public Policy", Wohlers, T. and Fletcher, A. (Ed.) Biopolitics at 50 Years (Research in Biopolitics, Vol. 13), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 137-161. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2042-994020220000013008
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023 Roger D. Masters. Published under exclusive licence by Emerald Publishing Limited