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Childhood Lead Exposure Linked to Teen Depression — Level A1 — Young boy sitting on a chair in an empty room.

Childhood Lead Exposure Linked to Teen DepressionCEFR A1

2 Feb 2026

LevelA1A2B1B2

Adapted from Brown University, Futurity • CC BY 4.0

Photo by Daniel David, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
70 words
  • Researchers found lead in childhood linked to more depression.
  • This effect appeared during the teenage years for many children.
  • A long study followed children and families from pregnancy.
  • Scientists measured blood lead at many childhood ages.
  • Children with higher lead had more depressive symptoms.
  • The link was stronger for exposure in later childhood.
  • Experts say preventing lead exposure is still important.
  • Reducing lead may help protect mental health in youth.

Difficult words

  • researcher — a person who studies and checks facts
    Researchers
  • lead — a metal that can harm people, especially children
  • depression — a long period of very low mood
  • exposure — being near something harmful or in contact
  • pregnancy — the time when a woman carries a baby
  • symptom — a sign of an illness or a problem
    symptoms

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Do you think preventing lead exposure is important?
  • Do you know what depression means?
  • Do you have children or young people in your family?

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