Leaded petrol probably affected the mental health of millions of Americans

In Its Various Forms, Lead Has Been Used in Many Everyday Products for Millennia

In its various forms, lead has been used in many everyday products for millennia. The Romans even added it to wine as a sweetener. Its most widespread use, however, was its addition to petrol. And it is this use that has been associated with increased mental health disorders, according to a new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.

Americans Born Between 1966 and 1986 Suffered from an Additional 151 Million Mental Health Disorders

Americans, especially those born between 1966 and 1986 (largely so-called generation X), have probably suffered from an additional 151 million mental health disorders that would not have occurred without the use of leaded petrol.

The Study Finds Increases in Anxiety and Depression, ADHD, and Neuroticism, as well as Decreases in Conscientiousness

The study finds increases in anxiety and depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and neuroticism, as well as decreases in conscientiousness.

The Toxicity of Lead for Humans Has Been Known for Almost as Long as It Has Been Used

Although the toxicity of lead for humans has been known for almost as long as it has been used, the full extent of its effects and the exposure levels at which they manifest is still being uncovered.

Tetraethyl Lead Was First Added to Petrol in 1921

Tetraethyl lead started to be added to petrol in 1921 when three engineers at General Motors discovered that it greatly improved engine performance and reduced “knocking” – uneven burning of the fuel that can damage engine parts.

Concerns About the Safety of Leaded Petrol Arose Immediately

Concerns about the safety of leaded petrol arose immediately when one of the engineers who made the discovery, as well as several workers producing the additive, fell sick, and some died of mysterious illnesses.

The Discussion on the Effects of Lead Exposure at the Time Was Dominated by Industry-Sponsored Studies

The discussion on the effects of lead exposure at the time was dominated by industry-sponsored studies, as recounted in a 2009 book, Lead Wars: The Politics of Science and the Fate of America’s Children. Simultaneously, leaded paint was also marketed as the best paint for its washability and brightness.

The Phase-out of Leaded Petrol Began in the 1970s

In the 1970s, the invention of the catalytic converter, which does not work with leaded petrol, and an accumulating body of evidence on the negative consequences of lead exposure for human health, saw the beginning of the phase-out of leaded petrol. (Regulation was also introduced in the US to ban leaded paint for residential purposes in 1978).

The UK Banned Leaded Petrol in 1999, and Algeria Was the Last Country to Officially Ban It in 2021

Even though its use had already decreased, the UK banned leaded petrol in 1999, and Algeria was the last country to officially ban it in 2021.

A Study in Sweden Compared Children Born in Areas Closer to Motorways, Who Would Have Been More Exposed to Lead Emissions from Cars, to Those Born Farther Away

A study in Sweden compared children born in areas closer to motorways, who would have been more exposed to lead emissions from cars, to those born farther away.

These Effects on Crime, Educational Attainment, and Engagement in “Risky Behaviour” Have Been Found in the US, Too

These effects on crime, educational attainment and engagement in “risky behaviour” have been found in the US, too.

Lead Mimics Calcium in the Body, Disrupting Most Systems That Need Calcium to Function

Lead mimics calcium in the body, disrupting most systems that need calcium to function. It is linked to losses of cognitive function as well as kidney and cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and even fertility issues.

Conclusion

The study suggests that Americans, especially those born between 1966 and 1986, have probably suffered from an additional 151 million mental health disorders that would not have occurred without the use of leaded petrol. The phase-out of leaded petrol began in the 1970s, and the UK banned it in 1999. Even though its use had already decreased, Algeria was the last country to officially ban it in 2021. Further research is needed to fully understand the widespread consequences of lead exposure among children and adults.

FAQs

Q: What is the main finding of the study?

A: The study finds that Americans, especially those born between 1966 and 1986, have probably suffered from an additional 151 million mental health disorders that would not have occurred without the use of leaded petrol.

Q: What were the effects of lead exposure on mental health?

A: The study finds increases in anxiety and depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and neuroticism, as well as decreases in conscientiousness.

Q: How did the phase-out of leaded petrol begin?

A: The phase-out of leaded petrol began in the 1970s, with the invention of the catalytic converter and an accumulating body of evidence on the negative consequences of lead exposure for human health.

Q: What are the long-term effects of lead exposure?

A: Lead mimics calcium in the body, disrupting most systems that need calcium to function. It is linked to losses of cognitive function as well as kidney and cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and even fertility issues.