https://www.sciencealert.com/leaded-fuel-may-have-triggered-a-mental-health-crisis-among-generation-x

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

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. they found that lead exposure lowers educational outcomes, increases the risk of criminal activity, and can lower lifetime earnings.

Lead mimics calcium, disrupting most systems needing it to function. It's linked to loss of cognitive function, kidney & cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure & fertility issues. A study found higher death rates in older adults living near Nascar leaded-patrol circuits precisely during races.

Abridged (shortened) article thread https://bsky.app/profile/johnhatchard.bsky.social/post/3ld3zdoyqgd2g