RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Lead Water Pipes and Infant Mortality at the Turn of the Twentieth Century
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 553
OP 575
DO 10.3368/jhr.43.3.553
VO 43
IS 3
A1 Troesken, Werner
YR 2008
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/43/3/553.abstract
AB In 1897, about half of all American municipalities used lead pipes to distribute water. Employing data from Massachusetts, this paper compares infant death rates in cities that used lead water pipes to rates in cities that used nonlead pipes. In the average town in 1900, the use of lead pipes increased infant mortality by 25 to 50 percent. However, in cities using new pipes and distributing acidic water, lead pipes increased infant mortality three- to four-fold. Qualitative evidence supports the econometric results and indicates the adverse effects of lead extended beyond Massachusetts.