Leaded Gasoline Linked to 150 Million US Mental Illness Diagnoses
New research estimates that lead in gasoline, phased out in the US in the 1980s, is responsible for approximately 151 million mental health disorder diagnoses. This widespread exposure, affecting roughly half the US population, resulted in increased susceptibility to various mental illnesses, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD. The study highlights the lasting neurotoxic effects of lead, impacting cognitive function and personality traits even in undiagnosed individuals. Further research and governmental action are necessary to address the ongoing threat of lead exposure from remaining sources in older homes and certain industries.
John Q. Hosedrinker