March 3, 2026Open Access

Blood Lead Concentrations and Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Childhood

Key Points

Blood lead concentrations are associated with increased depressive symptoms in children as they grow older.
The study found particularly high risks for those exposed to lead during late childhood and early adolescence.
Observational analysis of self-reported symptoms highlights the link between lead exposure and mental health outcomes.
These findings call for ongoing efforts to prevent lead exposure and protect children's mental well-being.

Abstract

In this study, low-level childhood blood lead concentrations were associated with self-reported depressive symptoms in later childhood, with particularly large increases in risk for exposures occurring in late childhood and early adolescence. These findings suggest that lead exposure during childhood may be associated with mental health in later childhood, highlighting the need for continued efforts to prevent lead exposure.

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Discussion

Authors

Christian Hoover

George D. Papandonatos

Kim Cecil

Journals

JAMA Network Open

Actions

Institutions

Harvard University

University of Pennsylvania

University of Cincinnati

References and Citations

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Building similarity graph...

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Blood Lead Concentrations and Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Childhood

Key Points

Abstract

Citation Network

Connected Papers

Discussion

Authors

Journals

Actions

Institutions

References and Citations

Citation Network

Connected Papers

Discussion

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