A machine dispensing fuel.
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151 Million Cases of Mental Illness: The Shocking Legacy of Leaded Gas

Michael Hunter, MD
BeingWell
Published in
5 min readJan 7, 2025

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Are you in the age group with the highest leaded gas exposure?

Here is why I ask:

Childhood exposure to leaded gasoline via car exhaust over the past 75 years is linked to 151 million excess cases of psychiatric disorders in the United States.

That’s the conclusion offered by a new study.

Today, I make the case that we have underestimated the role of pollution in worsening mental health problems.

You’ll also hear a familiar story of how corporations financed misleading research to keep poisoning us for profit.

An old-fashioned gasoline pump. Leaded gasoline exposure is assocaited with future mental health problems.
Photo by Andrey Câmara on Unsplash

I Was Exposed to Lead.

“Environmental pollution is not only humanity’s treason to humanity but also a treason to all other living creatures on earth!” ― Mehmet Murat ildan.

This title got me focused on lead and mental health: “Born Before 1996? According to

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BeingWell
BeingWell

Published in BeingWell

A Medika Life Publication for the Medical Community

Michael Hunter, MD
Michael Hunter, MD

Written by Michael Hunter, MD

I have degrees from Harvard, Yale, and Penn. I am a radiation oncologist in the Seattle area. You may find me regularly posting at www.newcancerinfo.com

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