Researchers report that higher blood lead during childhood was linked to more depressive symptoms in adolescence. The study found that even children with low lead levels reported more depressive symptoms later in childhood. The increase in risk was larger when exposure happened in late childhood and early adolescence, and the researchers noted that lead exposure at about age 8 seemed especially important.
The team used data from 218 caregiver–child pairs in a long study that followed families from pregnancy to age 12. They measured blood lead several times in childhood and assessed anxiety and depression around age 12. Experts said the findings underline the need to prevent and reduce lead exposure in children.
Difficult words
- researcher — person who studies and reports scientific resultsResearchers
- exposure — contact with a harmful substance or conditionlead exposure
- depressive — relating to deep feelings of sadness
- adolescence — time of life between childhood and adulthoodearly adolescence
- measure — to check or find the size or levelmeasured
- caregiver — person who cares for a child in a familycaregiver–child pairs
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think lead exposure at about age 8 might be important?
- What actions can families take to reduce lead exposure for children?
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