A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry has tied exposure to leaded gasoline to over 150 million mental health disorders in the U.S. since 1940. Researchers analyzed blood lead levels in children and found significant links between lead exposure and mental health challenges across generations.
The study highlights that depression, anxiety, ADHD, and impulse control problems were common among those exposed to lead during childhood. The period from 1966 to 1986, which saw peak use of leaded gasoline, had the highest rates of exposure. Generation X, particularly those born between 1966 and 1970, experienced the greatest burden.
“People can’t go back and change their childhood exposure, but these findings underscore how critical it is to prevent lead from entering the environment,” said co-author Aaron Reuben. He noted that removing lead from gasoline has had far-reaching benefits, but other sources of exposure remain.
Although leaded gasoline was banned in 1996, lead is still present in old homes, water pipes, soil, and imported toys. The CDC maintains there is no safe level of lead exposure, citing its impact on the brain, nervous system, and developmental health.
The study builds on previous research, including a New Zealand study tracking lead-exposed children’s mental health over three decades. Researchers combined that data with U.S. historical exposure estimates to calculate the nationwide toll of leaded gasoline.
Reuben emphasized the importance of continuing to reduce lead levels. “While we’ve made progress, there’s more to be done to protect future generations,” he said. The findings serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of environmental lead exposure and the need for vigilance.
