Lead Exposure Tied to 150 Million Mental Health Cases in the U.S.
A study by Duke and Florida State University researchers reveals that lead exposure in the 20th century significantly contributed to mental health issues in the U.S., with an estimated 151 million additional cases of psychiatric disorders. The research highlights the impact of leaded gasoline, which peaked in the 1960s, on increasing vulnerability to conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Despite reduced lead levels today, the study underscores the lasting effects of past exposure and ongoing risks in certain areas.