New research estimates that lead exposure from gasoline has significantly affected Americans' mental health for the worse during the 20th century.
The toxic metal lead has cast a long shadow on our collective well-being. A new study published Wednesday shows that lead exposure during the 20th century significantly worsened Americans’ brain health, likely helping cause many more cases of mental illness that otherwise would have never happened.
Car manufacturers began to add lead to gasoline in the 1920s, aiming to reduce wear and tear on the engines. Leaded gasoline eventually became Americans’ single largest source of lead exposure, reaching a peak during the 1960s. But while scientists had long known that heavy lead exposure was bad for us, it became firmly established by the 1970s that even small amounts of lead could be harmful, especially to the brains of developing children.
“Childhood lead exposure has likely made a significant, underappreciated contribution to psychiatric disease in the United States over the past century.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sugar exposure as early as conception can lead to chronic illness later in life, study saysMaybe this isn’t the thing you want to read the week after a candy-rich holiday like Halloween, but there's a new study that shows a connection between consuming sugar and chronic illnesses.
Read more »
San Diego police union ‘extremely disappointed' by gun range lead exposure settlementThe City of San Diego signed an agreement with the Air Pollution Control District for $700,000 after officers got sick. Here's how the San Diego police union…
Read more »
Lead Exposure Linked to Millions of Psychiatric Cases in AmericaNew research estimates that lead exposure from 1940 to 2015 contributed to about 151 million additional psychiatric illnesses in the U.S., primarily due to the use of leaded gasoline. The study highlights the ongoing mental health impacts of lead exposure and emphasizes the need for continued vigilance against this neurotoxin.
Read more »
Hidden ingredient in your perfume can lead to heart problems, obesity and infertilityNew research suggests that a chemical called musk ambrette, found in many scented products like perfumes, soaps, and air fresheners, may be linked to early puberty in girls. The compound was found to affect the brain's signaling, leading to the release of a hormone (GnRH) that starts puberty.
Read more »
The Dodge Charger Daytona EV Follows Tesla’s Hidden Manual Door Handle LeadMaybe it's time for the industry to look toward Lexus and Audi for the solution to this pretty serious concern
Read more »
Limiting babies' exposure to sugar may protect from disease laterParents who want to reduce the risk their child will grow up to have diabetes or heart disease should consider restricting sugar consumption for their first 1,000 days.
Read more »