Lead was first introduced into gasoline in 1923 to improve car engine performance. However, this led to significant health issues for humans, particularly children. A new study has found that exposure to leaded gasoline during childhood has resulted in mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and ADHD, in the US population.
Researchers estimate that over 75 years, 151 million cases of psychiatric disorders have been linked to lead exposure in American children. The study suggests that Americans born before 1996 experienced higher rates of mental health problems due to lead exposure. These individuals may have experienced personality changes that affected their success and resilience in life.
Lead is neurotoxic and can harm brain cells, leading to altered brain function. Young children are particularly vulnerable to lead’s effects on brain development. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued regulations to identify and replace lead plumbing systems in older cities, allocating $2.6 billion for the task.
The study used historical data on childhood blood-lead levels, gas use, and population statistics to estimate the lifelong burden of lead exposure carried by every American alive in 2015. The researchers found significant shifts in mental health across generations, with more people experiencing psychiatric problems than expected.
Lead’s impact on brain health has also been linked to changes in personality, including lower neuroticism and conscientiousness. As of 2015, over half of the US population had clinically concerning levels of lead in their blood when they were children. The study highlights the need for better understanding of lead’s role in health and protecting today’s children from new lead exposures.
The research team, led by Aaron Reuben, estimates that lead has stolen IQ points from the US population over the past century, with 824 million IQ points lost. The study is published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/151-million-americans-have-mental-health-disorders-linked-to-leaded-gasoline