A New Zealand study found that exposure to lead in childhood increases the risk of developing mental disorders. Experts have come to the conclusion that exposure to lead in childhood has a long-term effect on the mental health and personality of an adult.
How does lead affect children?
Millions of adults have been exposed to high levels of lead in childhood. Peak lead consumption worldwide was observed in the middle and end of the 20th century. From 1976 to 1980, the average child living in Russia had blood lead levels above 15 mcg / dl.
Epidemiologists have hypothesized a relationship between exposure to lead in children and mental disorders in adults. Exposure to lead in the era of leaded gasoline could contribute to subtle, lifelong impairments in human emotions and behavior.
Mental disorders are detected at least 38 years old.
The relationship between childhood lead poisoning and psychopathological symptoms was noticeable at the end of the XX century. Lead-related changes in emotions and behavior are likely to appear early and persist throughout life.
Findings suggest that lead-related changes can create the conditions for the development of mental disorders.
Exposure to lead in childhood can change how people behave or are perceived by other people throughout their lives.
Other studies in adults exposed to childhood lead have been linked to failure in life. These people experienced a greater number of mentalwithdiseases, poor physical health, less job satisfaction and problems in interpersonal relationships.
The new generation is almost saved
Until 2019, several studies were conducted that found that today's children have 3 times less lead in their blood. This metal concentration does not pose a health risk.
Many lead products are currently banned or severely restricted.
Where lead is not replaceable, special production methods should be used. If metal enters wastewater, it must be recovered or collected, cleaned and then disposed of properly.
To protect potentially vulnerable professions, employers and workers must comply with relevant safety regulations. These include monitoring the concentration of lead in the air and in the blood of staff.
This study is relevant for future research, public policy, and clinical practice. For researchers, these results complement the assumption that environmental toxins can affect important mental functions.
Future toxicological studies should consider assessing the effect of metal on physical health.
As people age, it is also possible that with bone loss, lead will be released into the bloodstream. It can spread throughout the body, with long-term effects that affect healthcare. It is possible that the problems of pediatrics in the past may present new problems for the psychiatry of older people.
Is it possible to get rid of lead?
Chelating agents such as D-penicillamine are prescribed to remove lead from the blood. However, chelates cause severe side effects. Therefore, they are not prescribed for a longer period of time. Most often, chelates also wash out vital trace elements from the body.
Mental disorders caused by lead cannot be eliminated.
If a child has undergone a high concentration of metal in childhood, irreversible damage to nerve fibers occurs. Lead is also deposited in the bones, so with osteoporosis it can enter the bloodstream.
Adult patients over the age of 35 are advised to undergo psycho-diagnostics. The only way to get rid of mental disorders is to take targeted medications and receive treatment from psychotherapists. Self-medication is strictly not recommended.
