The Guardian finds children in Portland, Oregon could suffer significant cognitive impacts from lead emissions from a nearby racetrack, one of dozens across the US to use toxic leaded gasoline. Portland is not alone: Across the U.S., more than a dozen major race tracks alone feature competitions with leaded gasoline vehicles, which research has linked to learning problems in kids. Key quote:“That is pretty startling,” said Vivek Shandas, a professor of urban studies at Portland State University, who reviewed The Guardian’s findings. Shandas characterized lead exposure at the track as “one of the more serious concerns that would affect the environmental health of Portlanders." To learn more about the mental health and developmental impacts of lead, we recommend EHN's award-winning series, Pollution's Mental Toll.

Source: New York Times June 22, 2023 12:52 UTC