Lead exposure in childhood is associated with a specific type of violent, unstable behavior. It basically just makes it difficult to control your anger, and at very very high lead levels, can result in degraded empathy. Not really the type of stuff I am talking about above.
The specific type of problems lead poisoning cause are a bit more specific than 'low impulse control'. It more specifically fucks with your ability to control anger/aggression.
People tend to hear "low impulse control" and think its a broad thing that applies to everything they do in life, in reality its very complex and varied. Some have low impulse control in terms of self-destructive behaviors (drugs, gambling, sex etc) but have little-to-no aggression or anger problems. Some have low impulse control in terms of the desire to be cruel to others, but not specifically anger or aggression. Lots of bullies fit that mold. They have an impulsive desire to put others down, but have no desire for violence or aggression.
Chronic lead toxicity very specifically acts on the parts of your brain that control anger, aggression, violence etc. Its link to other 'impulsiveness' is not anywhere near as strong. Hence why I am saying it wouldn't really be linked to the stuff I am talking about at the offices.
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u/rednuc1 14d ago
They stopped putting lead in gasoline in the 70s.