New research has linked widespread lead exposure from gasoline to millions of mental health conditions in the United States. The study, published in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, estimates that lead exposure is responsible for around 151 million mental health diagnoses in the country. Leaded gasoline, used from the 1920s to the 1980s, significantly impacted mental health, shifting the population’s overall risk for mental health disorders. Dr. Aaron Reuben, a co-author of the study, explained that lead exposure may have made individuals more susceptible to mental health issues, with some developing disorders earlier or more frequently.
Lead’s detrimental effects on health have been known for a century, impacting nearly every organ system in the body. The study highlights how lead, a potent neurotoxin, can disrupt brain development and contribute to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Research has shown that millions of Americans were exposed to harmful levels of lead, especially during childhood, which likely affected their brain development and behavior in ways that are not always diagnosable. Dr. Bruce Lanphear, a population health scientist, emphasized that the study’s estimates might actually be conservative, given the limitations in measuring all possible exposure sources.
The widespread use of leaded gasoline contributed significantly to this exposure. Despite the phase-out of leaded gasoline in the 1980s, many people remain unaware of its lasting impact on their health. The study suggests that lead exposure has left invisible marks on millions of Americans, affecting their personalities and mental functioning. Reuben noted that lead exposure could make people less conscientious and more neurotic, affecting their ability to organize tasks and pursue goals effectively.
The issue of lead exposure is not limited to gasoline. Many older homes still contain lead in their soil and infrastructure. Reuben advises people living in homes built before the 1980s to be aware of potential lead hazards, particularly during renovations or when disturbing soil. The Environmental Protection Agency has recently lowered its safety thresholds for lead in soil, meaning that one in four households in the U.S. might have hazardous lead levels in their environment. Testing for lead exposure is recommended, particularly for children, and steps can be taken to minimize further risks by avoiding known sources of lead.
Addressing the issue of lead exposure requires action from both individuals and institutions. While individuals can take steps to reduce exposure, such as renovating carefully and promoting healthy habits, larger systemic changes are needed. Dr. Lanphear calls for regulatory agencies to enforce stricter measures to eliminate lead from the environment, including eliminating leaded aviation fuel and ensuring baby food is free from lead. He argues that the burden of preventing exposure should not fall solely on families, and that government agencies must take responsibility for protecting public health from lead contamination.
