Leaded gasoline exposure has been linked to over 150 million mental health disorders in the U.S., according to a new study in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. Researchers analyzed childhood blood lead levels from 1940 to 2015, uncovering a legacy of widespread harm.
The study found that lead exposure significantly increased risks of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and poor impulse control. People born between 1966 and 1986, especially those from the late 1960s, were most affected, coinciding with the height of leaded gasoline use in the U.S.
Aaron Reuben, a co-author of the study, underscored the irreversible damage caused during those years. “Studies like ours show just how vital it is to keep lead out of the environment,” he said, emphasizing that early intervention and prevention are critical.
Though leaded gasoline was banned in 1996, lead exposure continues to pose risks through older homes, contaminated soil, outdated water systems, and imported goods. The CDC has repeatedly stated that even trace amounts of lead can harm the brain and nervous system, particularly in children.
The study used historical data and built upon previous research, including a 2019 study from New Zealand, which tracked the mental health outcomes of individuals exposed to lead. While it does not establish new causal evidence, the findings provide a broader understanding of lead’s impact on public health.
Reuben called for continued efforts to eliminate remaining sources of lead exposure. “We’ve reduced blood lead levels significantly, but there’s still more to do,” he said, urging policymakers to prioritize safeguarding future generations from the harmful effects of lead.
