Childhood lead exposure linked to adult brain damage

Adult loss of brain volume may be linked to lead exposure during childhood, according to the May PLoS Medicine.

The investigators studied 157 young adults ages 19 to 24 who had grown up in an area of Cincinnati in which there was a high concentration of older lead-contaminated housing. Findings revealed childhood lead exposure had an adverse dose-response effect on adult brain volume loss.

Affected brain areas included those responsible for organizing actions and decisions, regulating behaviors, and coordinating fine movements.