Following the Link Between Air Pollutants and Violent Behavior via GIS

The murder rate in America spiked to the nation’s highest in the 1920s and mid-60s to 70s. With hindsight, we can now see that this was heavily influenced by America’s use of lead in paint, which poisoned the body, causing a shift to violent behavior, amongst other things. Lead has since been banned from paint, but that does not mean the environment is free from behavior-changing hazards. PM2.5 particulates have been shown to alter brain structure and neural patterns, and to induce violent behavior in adolescents. This research will examine whether the trend of violent crimes in Cook County, Illinois, is in any way related to the production of PM2.5 particulates. To do this, using geographic information systems, we will gather data from air quality stations in major cities of the United States over a range of 17 years and cross-examine with the trend of violent crimes in the county