Who Pays for Lead Poisoning?

In 2006, a Rhode Island jury found three major paint makers liable for the toxic effects of lead paint on children.

One of those effects may have been a rise in the crime rate — and the removal of lead from house paint has been linked to the crime drop of the 1990’s (as Levitt blogged about here).

Now the paint manufacturers are appealing the landmark ruling before Rhode Island’s Supreme Court, with opening arguments scheduled for May 15.

Freakonomics readers may want to mark their calendars: due to the extraordinary level of interest in the case, oral arguments will be Webcast live.

(Hat Tip: Jon Pincince)