Study Links Leaded Gasoline to 151 Million U.S. Mental Health Disorders

Research reveals decades of lead exposure from car exhaust significantly impacted mental health, particularly for Generation X.

A new study estimates that 151 million cases of mental health disorders in the U.S. over the past 75 years are attributable to childhood lead exposure from leaded gasoline.
Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, experienced the highest levels of exposure and the most pronounced mental health impacts, including depression, anxiety, and ADHD.
Researchers used historical blood-lead level data and mental health metrics to assess the long-term effects of lead exposure, which peaked between 1960 and 1990.
Lead was added to gasoline in 1923 and phased out in 1996, but its neurotoxic effects, especially on developing brains, have had lasting consequences.
The study underscores the importance of proactive regulation of environmental toxins to prevent widespread harm, as lead exposure continues to pose risks through other sources like old pipes and contaminated soil.