Millions of Americans May Suffer Mental Health Effects from Past Lead Gasoline Use

A new study sheds light on a hidden epidemic impacting millions of Americans: the lasting mental health consequences of exposure to lead in gasoline. According to the research, published in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, lead poisoning attributable to leaded gasoline may be a contributing factor in up to 151 million mental health diagnoses across the US.

“We’ve essentially shifted the mental health curve for the whole population,” explained Dr. Aaron Reuben, co-author of the study and assistant professor of clinical neuropsychology at the University of Virginia. “Everyone now has a higher risk for mental health issues, and those already at risk may be developing diagnosable disorders sooner, more often, and in a wider range of forms.”

This revelation stems from the widespread use of leaded gasoline in the United States from the 1920s until its phased elimination in the 1980s. Despite evidence of lead’s harmful effects mounting over the decades, its presence in fuel persisted, exposing generations of Americans to potentially harmful levels. While leaded gasoline is largely gone from our roadways, it’s still present in some aviation fuel, race cars, and agricultural and marine equipment.

“The people who were exposed aren’t mentioned in history books,” highlighted Dr. Reuben. “Millions of Americans are carrying an unknown, invisible history of lead exposure that has likely negatively impacted their thinking, emotions, and behaviors.”

Dr. Bruce Lanphear, a population health scientist at Simon Fraser University in Canada and an expert on lead poisoning, commented on the study’s findings: “Given their caveats and limitations, I think they’ve done a thorough job of estimating exposure levels.

However, he emphasizes the possibility that the actual number of people affected might be even higher. “We haven’t been able to fully understand how these exposures have influenced health and disease over the past century.

Lead is a potent neurotoxin that can disrupt brain development in numerous ways, potentially contributing to a wide array of mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. But the impact goes beyond diagnosable conditions.

“It also changed personalities,” Dr. Reuben explained. “We believe that (lead exposure) makes people a little less conscientious –– so less well organized, less detail-oriented, less likely to pursue their goals in a structured way, and more neurotic.”

If lead exposure on a widespread scale is indeed linked to serious health repercussions, what can be done?

Dr. Reuben emphasized the importance of education: “First, educate yourself about potential sources of lead exposure.” He points out that lead was phased out of gasoline in 1996, pipes in 1986, and paint in 1978. If you live in a home built before these years, there’s a possibility of lead hazards in the soil or structure itself.

“It doesn’t mean it’s time to move out of your older home,” he clarified. “Just be aware of lead when doing renovations or disturbing the soil.”

He also emphasized the recent lowering of the EPA’s soil screening level, which suggests that as many as one in four households in the US might have soil lead levels now considered potentially hazardous.

Dr. Reuben suggests lead testing for children through pediatricians and taking steps to reduce exposure for those who have already been affected by it.

However, he stresses that larger-scale changes are crucial. “The most impactful step is for institutions to invest in research and the elimination of lead from the environment,” stated Dr. Lanphear.

He urged stricter regulations to ensure lead isn’t present in products like baby food and for action to address the millions of homes with lead hazards and the use of leaded aviation fuel.

“We’ve got to stop throwing this burden onto people and families,” Dr. Lanphear emphasized. The research sheds light on a significant public health issue, highlighting the lasting consequences of past environmental practices and the urgent need for continued action to protect future generations.