A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry has linked leaded gasoline exposure to a staggering 151 million cases of psychiatric disorders in the United States, including ADHD, depression, and anxiety.

The study, conducted by researchers from Duke University, Florida State University, and the Medical University of South Carolina, analyzed the impact of leaded gasoline on the mental health of Americans born between 1940 and 2015. The findings suggest that widespread exposure to lead from car exhaust during childhood has had a profound and long-lasting impact on the mental well-being of millions of individuals.

Generation X, born between 1966 and 1986, experienced the highest levels of lead exposure and consequently, may be at the greatest risk for mental health challenges.

While the study does not definitively prove causation, it provides strong evidence linking leaded gasoline exposure to a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD. These findings have significant implications for public health and underscore the need for continued efforts to prevent lead exposure and address the long-term consequences of this environmental toxin.

Read the full article, “Massive Study Ties Leaded Gasoline to 150 Million Mental Health Diagnoses in U.S.,” to learn more about the devastating impact of leaded gasoline exposure on mental health and the ongoing public health challenges associated with this environmental toxin.