Which pollutant is associated with damage to the nervous system?

Lead is indeed associated with significant damage to the nervous system, particularly in children. It is a heavy metal that can accumulate in the body and has been found to adversely affect neurological development and cognitive function. Exposure to lead, whether through contaminated water, paint, or dust, leads to a variety of health issues, including decreased IQ, attention problems, and other learning disabilities.

Lead interferes with the normal functioning of neurotransmitters and can cause lasting damage to brain structures involved in learning and memory. In adults, lead exposure can also lead to peripheral neuropathy and other neurological disorders.

While nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide are also harmful pollutants with their own health risks, they do not have the same neurotoxic effects that lead does. Nitrogen dioxide primarily affects respiratory health, carbon monoxide is lethal in high concentrations by interfering with oxygen transport in the blood, and sulfur dioxide is mainly associated with respiratory problems and irritation. Thus, lead stands out as the primary pollutant linked to nervous system damage.