GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – A new study shows decades of lead exposure from gasoline may be linked to devastating impacts across generations.
The research is shedding light on the long-term effects of the substance and its link to mental health issues.
The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry suggests that leaded gasoline may be linked to 151 million mental health disorder diagnoses in the United States.
Bill Maerkle remembers his parents using that type of fuel many years ago.
“Well, I was born in 1940,″says Maerkle. “So, I was grown up and I was pumping my dad’s gas into the car. I remember doing that as a child. Then once I got my first car it was a Volkswagon Bug I could pump my own. I’m thinking around $0.49 cents a gallon.”
According to the US Energy Information Administration, cars ran on gas containing lead starting in the 1920s and the United States did not start phasing out the substance until the 1980s.
Brody School of Medicine Dr. Mary Katherine Donovan says lead disrupts brain development in many ways that can impact most types of mental health problems including anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
“Lead gets into the lungs and then it gets into the blood, then the lead can actually cross what we call in science the ‘blood-brain barrier’ and that’s when it really causes neurological effects and neurological deficits that are sadly irreversible,” says Dr. Donovan.
Officials say it’s important to take steps to identify any lead sources and reduce future exposure.
According to the CDC, adults can help lower children’s lead exposure by frequently washing children’s hands, especially before meals, and wiping and cleaning children’s toys often.
A blood test is the only way to tell if a child has been exposed to lead.
Officials say leaded gasoline continues to fuel some planes, race cars, and farm and marine equipment.
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