Were you born before 1986? Here's why you might be at risk of developing mental health disorders ⚠️

Exposure to lead, particularly through car exhaust fumes, has deeper consequences than previously thought.

Recent research suggests it may be responsible for hundreds of millions of psychiatric disorders worldwide, particularly affecting generations who lived before the end of leaded gasoline usage. But how could a single chemical element leave such a profound mark on our mental health?


Lead is a powerful neurotoxin capable of destroying brain cells and impairing cognitive function. A study conducted by researchers at Duke and Florida State University reveals that exposure to this heavy metal during childhood could have lasting effects on the mental health of adults, especially those born between 1966 and 1986.

At the heart of the study is the idea that the introduction of lead in gasoline in 1923 not only improved engine performance but also exposed entire generations to dangerous levels of lead. Despite the ban on leaded gasoline, the traces of this toxicity continue to affect millions of individuals.

Researchers estimate that lead exposure, notably through exhaust fumes, has been the cause of 151 million cases of mental disorders in the United States alone. Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and even personality alterations number among the most severe consequences identified. To gauge the magnitude of the phenomenon, the team analyzed historical data on blood lead levels in American children between 1940 and 2015.

Lead's impact doesn't stop at mental illnesses. The metabolism of lead disrupts essential brain functions crucial for a child's development. This results in effects not only on intelligence but also on personality and behavior in individuals who were exposed.

One striking conclusion of the study is that the most affected generation is Generation X, those born between 1966 and 1986. They lived during a time when lead levels were particularly high. Consequently, this generation appears to have been especially vulnerable to mental and behavioral disorders.

However, lead exposure wasn't limited to gasoline. The metal was also present in paints, pipes, and certain consumer products, which significantly heightened health risks on a broad scale. These findings highlight the insidious effects of a contaminant long underestimated.

The investigation also emphasizes the importance of monitoring current sources of exposure. Although leaded gasoline is now prohibited, many old infrastructures still contain this heavy metal, which remains a threat, especially in older homes.

Researchers stress the need to understand the long-term effects of lead exposure to protect current generations. They underscore the urgency of strengthening prevention and monitoring efforts to minimize the risks associated with this metal and prevent it from causing further public health problems.