Since I’ve got grumpy men on my mind… 
I always think about this research when ornery old (mostly) men get all snippy about lead. You know, the whole “What are you freaking out about, we used to chew on lead for breakfast! And I turned out FINE!” gaslighting thing. I’m sure you’ve got one in your life.
Well here’s a study that showed people with higher lead in their neighbourhood growing up were more likely to score poorly on personality tests. Contrary to the norm, as they aged, they actually got worse scores for agreeableness, conscientiousness and neuroticism. (And there was another study linking the higher chance of being a psychopath, but I’d have to go look for that one).
Similarly, recent Dunedin study research found that at age 45, participants with higher lead exposure also had potentially concerning changes in their brain scans. The same individuals also had cognitive function and IQ declines, which were noticed by their loved ones but not by the participants themselves.
So in summary, lead poisoning can create disagreeable, neurotic, unconscientious older people with poor memory and self awareness. Great combo, eh? So every time I get some hate from some grumpy grandpa, I just want to say see? You prove my point entirely.
(But also, I should mention that you needn’t be concerned your lead exposed children will become psychopaths, the chances are still very small…)
Personality Changes
– Story:
Lead Exposure in Childhood Impacts Personality and Mental Health
– Study:
Dunedin Study
– Story:
– Study: