A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry has found that millions of Americans are dealing with mental disorders caused by childhood lead exposure. The researchers, led by Aaron Reuben at Duke University, analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) and estimated childhood blood-lead levels from 1940 to 2015.
The study reveals that those born between 1966 and 1986 – Generation X – were most exposed to lead due to its widespread use in gasoline until it was phased out in the 1990s. The researchers found that these individuals experienced the largest increase in mental illness symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity.
The study estimates that 151 million cases of psychiatric disorders over the past 75 years can be traced to childhood lead exposure. Lead exposure is most dangerous to children, who experience disrupted brain development, decreased cognitive ability, and fine motor skills issues.
Researchers noted that this study does not prove causation but highlights significant shifts in mental health across generations of Americans. The team also emphasized that their findings are based on exposure to leaded gasoline only, excluding other sources of lead exposure such as pipes, contaminated food, or airborne dust.
Lead poisoning can cause serious health problems, including developmental delays, learning difficulties, and irritability in children, while adults may experience high blood pressure, memory issues, headaches, mood disorders, and reduced sperm count. The study’s lead author noted that humans are not adapted to the levels of lead exposure over the past century, highlighting the need for effective measures to deal with lead poisoning.
The research team previously identified that lead lowered IQ points by 824 million in the US population over the past century. This latest study underscores the long-term effects of childhood lead exposure on mental health and emphasizes the importance of addressing this public health concern.
Source: https://fortune.com/well/article/millions-of-americans-especially-gen-x-are-dealing-with-psychiatric-disorders-associated-with-leaded-gasoline-exhaust-new-study-finds