In the United States, historical lead exposure primarily originates from industrial sources like smelting and the use of lead in consumer products and construction, such as paint, gasoline, and plumbing. As a potent heavy metal toxin, lead causes significant physical and mental health issues, with children being particularly vulnerable to developmental impairment. The legacy of this contamination means many Americans likely experience health problems from both past and ongoing exposure.

Sources and Consequences of Lead Exposure in the United States

It is well known among scientists that exposure to toxic chemicals can affect physical health. In addition, more recent studies indicate that these chemicals can impact long-term mental health, especially if exposed to toxic compounds during childhood.

Michigan State University

A field that explores, assesses and seeks to control the harmful effects people have on their environment and inversely, the harmful impact the environment has on people. Addresses environmental issues (biodiversity, climate change) and health issues (vector-borne diseases and heat- and flood-related deaths). 

Environmental Health

Reuben, A., Schaefer, J. D., Moffitt, T. E., Broadbent, J., Harrington, H., Houts, R. M., Ramrakha, S., Poulton, R., & Caspi, A. (2019). Association of Childhood Lead Exposure With Adult Personality Traits and Lifelong Mental Health. JAMA psychiatry, 76(4), 418–425. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.4192

Association of Childhood Lead Exposure With Adult Personality Traits and Lifelong Mental Health

Health psychology can offer significant insights into promoting and advancing environmental health through education and enhancement of our understanding of pro-environmental behavior. In addition, applications of health behavior change models attempt to explain pro-environmental behavior (mitigation behaviors), while integrating health and environmental psychology could expand behaviors that seek to prevent the negative effects of environmental issues on human health (adaptation behaviors). Both fields are involved in explaining mitigation & adaptation behaviors.

Health psychology's impact on environmental health

Mental Health and Exposure to Toxins

Although not classified as a specific disorder, some researchers have begun to see that global warming is causing mental health problems for many people, especially those most affected by environmental destruction. This idea has been referred to as "climate grief." Climate grief most often manifests as some form of depression or anxiety.

Climate Grief

This includes the intersection of environmental health in other fields of studies and research. Such fields include
- Environmental Sciences
- Health Psychology


Learn Before

Related

Learn After