Autism in children may be caused by toxic chemicals in everyday products, according to new research. Currently, about 1 in 110 children in the US has some form of autism and the numbers are increasing rapidly... too rapidly to be explained simply by genetics, increased awareness, or a broader definition of the condition.
Experts say that increasing amounts of environmental chemicals could be the primary cause of the jump in autism rates. Some children appear have more genetic susceptibility to toxic chemicals, causing the development of autism in the womb and possibly after birth.
(Interestingly, a recent study showed that women with high-risk autism genotypes who took prenatal multi-vitamins were less likely to have a child with autism. But the study was relatively small and not definitive.)
Environmental health experts are calling for more government regulation of the chemicals used in household products and released into the environment every day. According to the Director of Program Research at The Autism Society, Donna Ferullo:
"We live, breathe and start our families in the presence of toxic chemical mixtures and constant low-level toxic exposures, in stark contrast to the way chemicals are tested for safety... Lead, mercury, and other neurotoxic chemicals have a profound effect on the developing brain at levels that were once thought to be safe."
The brain and central nervous system of a fetus is extremely sensitive to a wide array of chemicals, especially ones that disrupt hormones like androgens and estrogens. Certain pesticides, traffic pollution, flame-retarding chemicals used in things like furniture, the common plastics chemical Bisphenol A (BPA), and a variety of anti-microbials found in soaps and cosmetics have all been shown to interfere with natural hormone production. And they could all definitely play a role in autism.
New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg has proposed stricter regulations on industrial chemicals, forcing companies to more carefully test their products for safety. We sincerely hope he succeeds!
Learn some mo': Scientists warn of chemical-autism link
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