A cautionary note has been directed at Americans born prior to 1996, with reports indicating that 150 million individuals may be affected by a hazardous chemical.
In 1996, the United States authorities prohibited the addition of lead to gasoline following five decades during which people were exposed to the metal through inhaling its fumes.
When inhaled, lead can inflict damage on the nervous system, as smog containing the metal enters the bloodstream, leading to inflammation.
This process can result in the deterioration of neurons, which can adversely affect development and lead to behavioral issues.
A comprehensive review has revealed a staggering 151 million instances of depression, anxiety, and ADHD linked to the inhalation of lead from vehicle exhaust.
The findings stemmed from a research team at Duke University, who published their results in a recent study.
“We have very few effective measures for dealing with lead once it is in the body, and many of us have been exposed to levels 1,000 to 10,000 times more than what is natural,” noted Aaron Reuben, co-author of the study and a neuropsychology researcher at Duke University.
Additionally, Mathew Hauer, another co-author and sociologist at Florida State University, commented: “Many more people experienced psychiatric problems than would have if we had never added lead to gasoline.”
So, how did the researchers arrive at the estimate that 151 million individuals have been affected by this toxic substance?
They examined national data on blood lead levels in children, along with historical use of leaded gasoline, and combined this with general population statistics that were already available.
This analysis was conducted for individuals from 1940 to 2015, allowing the researchers to approximate the extent of lead exposure over people’s lifetimes.
Further investigation explored the correlation between high levels of lead exposure and poor mental health outcomes, along with other conditions.
Through these studies, the Duke University team concluded that 151 million people have experienced some form of mental health issue between 1940 and 1996 as a result of lead exposure.
The use of leaded gasoline reached its zenith in the 1960s and 1970s, leading experts to believe that those born between 1965-1980 are the most affected.
Children are particularly vulnerable, as their brains are still in developmental stages.
“Childhood lead exposure has likely made a significant, under appreciated contribution to psychiatric disease in the US over the past century,” the study remarked.