Replication data for: Do Low Levels of Blood Lead Reduce Children's Future Test Scores?

We construct a unique individual-level dataset linking preschool blood lead levels with third grade test scores for Rhode Island children born 1997–2005. Using two identification strategies, we show for the first time that reductions of lead from even historically low levels have significant positive effects. A one-unit decrease in average blood lead levels reduces the probability of being substantially below proficient in reading (math) by 0.96 (0.79) percentage points on a baseline of 12 (16) percent. Since disadvantaged children have greater exposure to lead, lead poisoning may be one of the causes of continuing disparities in test scores.

本研究构建了一套独特的个体层面数据集（individual-level dataset），关联了1997—2005年罗德岛州出生儿童的学龄前血铅水平（blood lead levels）与三年级考试成绩（third grade test scores）。本研究采用两种识别策略（identification strategies），首次证实：即便从历史低位水平下调血铅暴露水平，仍可产生显著的积极影响。在基准发生率分别为12%（阅读）与16%（数学）的前提下，平均血铅水平每降低1个单位，阅读（数学）成绩远低于熟练水平的概率将下降0.96（0.79）个百分点。由于弱势儿童的铅暴露程度更高，铅中毒或为考试成绩差距持续存在的诱因之一。