Exposure to car exhaust from leaded gas, which was phased out in 1996, resulted in anxiety, depression and ADHD symptoms in generations of people, researchers found.

Summary

A new study estimates that childhood exposure to leaded gasoline caused 151 million excess mental health disorders in the U.S. from 1940 to 2015.

Generations, especially those born between 1966 and 1986, experienced higher rates of anxiety, depression, and impulsivity, with Generation X most affected.

The research builds on prior studies linking lead exposure to cognitive and behavioral harm, underscoring the lasting impact of environmental toxins.

Though lead was banned from gasoline in 1996, it persists in paint, water lines, and soil.