Panel:
The Consequences of Lead Poisoning
(Health Policy)
Thursday, November 8, 2018: 8:30 AM-10:00 AM
Madison B - Mezz Level (Marriott Wardman Park)
*Names in bold indicate Presenter
Panel Chairs: Donna Ginther, University of Kansas
Discussants: Michael S. Kofoed, United States Military Academy, West Point
This session examines lead poisoning across two geographies: the states of Michigan and Illinois. Each paper covers a different area: the direct effects of lead poisoning on fertility and birth outcomes, the indirect effects on health care consumption, and the willingness to pay for lead screenings. The results of these papers will help us answer many questions, including: What were the consequences of the Flint water crisis on specific health measures, such as birth weight and sex-ratios? What was the impact of this health shock (which resulted from an attempt to reduce municipal outlays on water) on preventive care, adverse health outcomes, health emergencies, and overall public spending? What does the demand function for lead screening look like? The answers are crucial as the United States deals with its aging, lead-containing urban infrastructure and attempts to craft public policy to efficiently maximize citizen health while minimizing expenditures.
