Caroline Fraser’s new book, “Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers,” delves into the disturbing connection between pollution and the rise of serial killers in the Pacific Northwest. Fraser, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, explores how environmental factors such as lead and arsenic poisoning may have played a role in shaping the minds of notorious murderers like Ted Bundy and the Green River Killer.
Growing up in the 1970s in Mercer Island, just a stone’s throw away from Seattle, Fraser was surrounded by a string of serial killers in the region. George Waterfield Russell Jr., a fellow high school student, went on to commit heinous crimes against women. This proximity to such violence prompted Fraser to investigate the potential link between pollution and psychopathy.
Through her research, Fraser discovered that childhood exposure to heavy metals like lead can lead to increased aggression, psychopathy, and even brain damage. She posits that these environmental factors may have contributed to the development of sociopathic tendencies in individuals like Bundy and Ridgway.
Fraser challenges the traditional portrayal of serial killers as masterminds, highlighting the patterned and almost predictable behavior of these criminals. She draws parallels between these murderers and the real villains of her story: smelting companies and their profit-driven practices.
Companies like Asarco, responsible for widespread pollution in the Pacific Northwest, prioritized profits over public health, knowingly exposing communities to toxic substances like lead and arsenic. Fraser compares the deceptive actions of these companies to the manipulative behavior of serial killers, pointing out the lies and cover-ups perpetuated by those in power.
“Muderland” extends beyond the Pacific Northwest to explore similar cases of environmental pollution and serial killings in places like Kansas, California, and even London. Fraser emphasizes Washington state’s unique position as a breeding ground for such atrocities, with multiple pollution plumes coinciding with the presence of serial rapists and murderers.
Ultimately, Fraser’s book sheds light on the dark and twisted intersection of environmental degradation and human depravity. By highlighting the role of pollution in shaping the minds of serial killers, “Murderland” challenges readers to consider the broader implications of environmental contamination on society’s most heinous crimes. Israel Keyes, the notorious serial killer and necrophiliac, grew up downriver from the Trail smelter in British Columbia, a place known for its history of lead contamination. The Trail smelter, once a major source of lead pollution in the area, has since been decommissioned, but the legacy of lead exposure continues to affect communities worldwide.
Lead exposure has been linked to a range of health issues, including neurological damage, developmental delays, and behavioral problems. In recent years, lead contamination has been found in everyday products such as toothpaste and baby food, highlighting the ongoing risk of exposure to this toxic metal.
Author and researcher Fraser, who has studied the connection between lead exposure and violent behavior, believes that there may be a link between Keyes’ upbringing near the Trail smelter and his later criminal activities. While the exact impact of lead exposure on individual behavior is still being studied, it is clear that environmental factors can play a significant role in shaping a person’s development.
In light of these findings, it is crucial for communities to be aware of potential sources of lead contamination and take steps to protect themselves and their families. The recent regulation requiring the replacement of lead pipes in drinking water systems is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the ongoing threat of lead exposure.
By raising awareness of the link between lead contamination and criminal behavior, Fraser hopes to spark a conversation about the importance of environmental health and its impact on society as a whole. It is essential for individuals to understand the potential risks associated with lead exposure and take action to protect themselves and future generations from its harmful effects.
