Lead and Personality

The health hazards of lead are well-established. It’s a neurotoxin that affects brain development—especially in children. The harm also extends to personality. People who were exposed to high levels of lead in the air as children are less agreeable and more neurotic as adults. Ted Schwaba, a postdoctoral researcher in psychology at the University of Texas At Austin, led this research. (Segment produced by Abby Haralson)