Today in Focus Did lead poisoning help create a generation of serial killers?
16 snips
Aug 1, 2025 
Caroline Fraser, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author known for her book 'Murderland', explores the shocking link between lead poisoning and the rise of serial killers in America. She delves into the chilling cases of the 1970s, particularly Ted Bundy’s infamous crimes. Fraser discusses how environmental factors, like lead exposure, may have fueled male violence and aggression during this tumultuous era. The conversation also highlights the corporate negligence behind pollution and its deadly legacy, underscoring the urgent need for public health awareness.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
First Awareness of Serial Killers
- Caroline Fraser recalls her first awareness of serial killers when two women disappeared near her home in 1974.
- This event marked the public's realization of a serial killer operating in Seattle.
Highways Enabled Serial Killers
- The 1970s and 80s saw a sharp rise in violent crime and serial killers linked to social and transport changes.
- Increased mobility via highways enabled killers to operate over large areas, complicating investigations.
Lead Exposure Impacts Violence
- Lead exposure, particularly in children, impairs brain development affecting impulse control and increasing aggression, especially in males.
- This biological impact manifests decades later in increased juvenile delinquency and violent crime.
