A new study published in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry suggests that exposure to lead in gasoline may be behind tens of millions of mental health conditions in the United States. According to researchers, half of the US population was exposed to adverse levels of lead early in life, which could have influenced mental illness symptoms.
The study estimates that 151 million mental disorder diagnoses in the US are attributable to lead exposure. Lead was widely used in gasoline from the 1920s until the 1980s, when it was phased out due to substantial evidence of harm. Although regulatory measures were taken, many homes still contain lead, and the EPA has recently lowered its soil screening level, indicating that one in four households may have potentially hazardous levels.
Lead is a potent neurotoxin that can disrupt brain development, leading to anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other mental health problems. Researchers estimate that people exposed to lead may also experience personality changes, including reduced conscientiousness and increased neuroticism.
While there is no definitive answer on how to reduce existing levels of lead exposure, experts recommend educating oneself about the sources of lead exposure and taking steps to limit future exposure. Institutions can invest in research and eliminate lead from the environment, with regulatory agencies playing a crucial role in enforcing these measures.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/04/health/lead-gasoline-mental-health-wellness/index.html