Studies by Professor Rodger Masters

Jim Wilson

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Research done by Professor Rodger Masters and others suggests that
neurotoxic metal pollution significantly contributes to rates of violent
crime.  There is solid scientific evidence that both manganese and lead
could alter brain chemistry in a way that causes learning
disabilities, poor impulse control and aggressive behavior.  In
counties across the United States where toxic releases of manganese and
lead are present the violent crime rate increases substantially.

Professor Rodger Masters

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It’s essential to regulate manganese pollution because its harmful
effects on human health and behavior have now been well documented. 
Recent scientific research has explored two key issues.  FIRST, damage
to brain chemistry and behavior from manganese has been traced in
detail, linking this heavy metal with increased rates of costly
problems such as violent crime.  However, to do so, it’s important to
consider other toxins like lead, whose effects are seriously increased
where exposure to lead is combined with manganese pollution.  SECOND,
there is good evidence that these problems place heavy burdens on
California taxpayers.  Counties with pollution from these toxins have
higher crime than those without industrial releases of manganese or
lead.  The difference is very clear when San Bernardino County is
compared with Riverside County. (a generally comparable county with
lower levels of heavy metal pollution).

Professor Rodger Masters

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For all U.S. counties where there is manganese pollution there are
higher rates of violent crime.  The story is similar for lead or for
manganese, but where both pollutants are in the same county, the
effects are much worse (like mixing drinks at a cocktail party).  Steps
to reduce exposure to excessive manganese (such as action on the
dangers of soy infant formula, which contains high levels of manganese)
are urgently needed.  It’s time to pursue research and policy aimed at
reducing the harmful behaviors linked with lead and manganese toxicity.

Professor Rodger Masters

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If an established government policy is challenged by new scientific
findings will bureaucrats and professionals committed to current
practices and responsibilities admit that established policies may be
based on an error and need to be reexamined?

This issue is illustrated by the addition of fluosilicic acid or
sodium silicofluoride to public water supplies in the U.S.  New
findings associate the injection of silicofluoride in public water
supplies with increased uptake of lead in children’s blood as well as
higher rates of learning deficits and substance and violent crime.  
Several public agencies as well as Dental professionals have generally
remained  silent on the issue or dismissed the new findings out of hand.

Professor Rodger Masters, et al

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Neurotoxic metals, absorbed in the brain due to poor diet and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, can disturb normal brain development and neurotransmitter function.   There is considerable evidence linking environmental releases of neurotoxic metals, neurotransmitter function, and aggressive behavior.

Professor Rodger Masters, et al

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There are many factors that contribute to violent behavior; poverty, social disintegration, violence on TV, etc.  Studies of the behavioral impact of heavy metal pollution from lead and manganese have increased our knowledge of why various factors affect some individuals more than others.  It is vital that steps be taken to eliminate exposure to toxic heavy metals as effective crime prevention and rehabilitation.

Professor Rodger Masters

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Geographic differences in rates of cancer reveal the role that
pollution with lead or manganese plays.   In the 2,356 U.S. counties in
which the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) shows no pollution with either
lead or manganese, there are 81.4 cases per 10,000 population. 
Compared to unpolluted counties, in the 305 counties where the EPA’s
TRI reports manganese pollution, the rate is more that doubled (189.4
per 10,000)—and in 104 counties with lead pollution, cancer rates are
triple (206.5) per 10,000).

These effects pale by comparison to the increased cancer rates in
the 1,148 U.S. counties where the TRI reports both lead and manganese
pollution.  Where the public is exposed to this toxic cocktail, cancer
rates are ten times those in unpolluted counties (853.12 per 10,000).

Studies done on heavy metal neurotoxicity and links to cancer were
repeated for studies of hypertension and heart diseases with the same
disturbing findings.  Data shows heart diseases are significantly
higher in counties where the Environmental Protection Agency’s Toxic
Release (TRI) Inventory reports pollution with either lead or manganese
– and even worse where both are present.    Black are more vulnerable
than others to exposure of these toxins.  Treatment of public water
with silicofluorides increases the absorption of these toxins and has
other harmful effects on brain chemistry and behavior.