Experts have consistently highlighted the dangers of lead exposure from sources like paint and plumbing. However, another significant yet previously overlooked contributor—leaded gasoline—may have adversely affected the mental health of a generation.

A recent study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry reveals that Generation X faces heightened rates of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other neurotic behaviors, largely due to their exposure to leaded gasoline in childhood.

Although the United States banned leaded gasoline in 1996, the long-term effects of previous exposure during critical developmental years have rendered this generation particularly vulnerable. The use of leaded gas peaked from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s, with those born during that time later exhibiting notably high instances of mental health challenges.

Furthermore, the study suggests a correlation between leaded gasoline and “disadvantageous behaviors,” such as difficulties in concentration, task completion, and organizing thoughts.

Co-author Aaron Reuben, an assistant professor of clinical neuropsychology at the University of Virginia, remarked, “I refer to Generation X as ‘generation lead.’ We know they experienced higher exposure, which correlates to increased rates of internalized mental health issues like anxiety and depression, as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms.”

Study Methodology

Reuben and his team at Florida State University analyzed health survey data alongside national gasoline usage statistics spanning from 1940 to 2015 to estimate lead exposure in individuals and its mental health consequences.

The research concluded that lead exposure may be responsible for around 151 million additional mental health disorders in the U.S. over 75 years. Reuben noted that these estimates are just a baseline, primarily focusing on gasoline, and do not consider exposures from lead in paint and plumbing.

Despite the ban on lead paint in 1978, many older homes still contain it, posing risks to children who might consume paint chips. The Environmental Protection Agency advises parents with young kids in older houses to be vigilant in high-traffic areas like window sills, doors, stairs, and porches.

Lead exposure can interfere with brain development in young children, affecting fine motor skills and emotional well-being. Even low levels may lead to behavioral issues, decreased IQ, and attention disorders.

Risk Factors by Age

The mental health issues linked to lead exposure were found to vary across different age groups. Individuals born between 1940 and 2015 displayed the lowest levels of such issues.

Conversely, those born from 1966 to 1986, especially those from 1966 to 1970, exhibited significantly increased rates of mental health problems associated with lead exposure, aligning with the period of highest lead gasoline use.

Why Was Lead Used in Gasoline?

Lead was incorporated into gasoline to enhance engine performance and minimize engine knocking. However, as cars consumed this fuel, harmful emissions contaminated the air and settled in dust and soil, impacting countless individuals.

The use of leaded gasoline began to decline in the mid-1970s due to damage it caused to catalytic converters, which were becoming more common in response to stricter emissions regulations from the 1970 Clean Air Act.

Effects of Leaded Gasoline on Society

The timing of peak lead usage coincided with a rise in the demand for mental health services and increased juvenile crime rates. Previous studies have explored the “lead-crime hypothesis,” suggesting that reducing lead exposure may have played a role in declining murder rates from the 1990s onwards.

Nowadays, children are routinely tested for lead levels in their blood, receiving treatment if levels are found to be troubling.

“In the 60s, 70s, and 80s, many individuals had average blood lead levels that today would necessitate clinical follow-up,” Reuben highlighted.