The impact on people in the UK is probably similar. Unfortunately, no national data was collected, so we can’t be sure.

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, 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, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and neuroticism, as well as decreases in conscientiousness.

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.

  • ThatWeirdGuy1001@lemmy.world
    2·
    2 days ago

    Interesting to learn. Is that why private jets are such big polluters or is this like a propeller plane only type thing.

    • Flocklesscrow@lemm.eeEnglish
      3·
      2 days ago

      Private jets are a whole other thing. It’s the small planes that still burn leaded gas.

      From Google: Most aircraft that use leaded fuel are piston-engine aircraft, which are typically small planes that carry 2-10 passengers. They were designed 80 years ago and need leaded fuel to run reliably.