 |
|
|
|
June 7th, 2011
06:43 PM ET
Scientists warn of chemical-autism linkAutism and environmental health experts called for greater scrutiny of chemicals found in the environment, which could potentially lead to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, in a conference call Tuesday. "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," said Donna Ferullo, Director of Program Research at The Autism Society. "Lead, mercury, and other neurotoxic chemicals have a profound effect on the developing brain at levels that were once thought to be safe," she said. Autism spectrum disorders are being diagnosed at unprecedented rates, partly because of improved diagnostic tools and criteria, but also a host of other factors including what mothers-to-be are exposed and consequently their unborn children too, said Irva Hertz-Piccotto, Chief of the Division of Environmental Health at the University of California, Davis, and a faculty member at the Mind Institute. About 1 in 110 children in the United States has autism, a group of developmental disorders that lead to impairments in behavior, communication and socialization. The cost of autism is staggering: $3.2 million for the care of a person with autism throughout his or her life; behavioral therapy can be hard to come by and be very limited, and most medications don't help much. Studies have strongly suggested a genetic component in the cause of autism, but it's becoming clear that genetics alone isn't the whole story; there could be interactions between susceptibility genes and environmental chemicals. Recent research from her group, appearing in the journal Epidemiology, showed that prenatal vitamins taken prior to conception seem to interact with certain metabolizing genes that are inherited. Those women who did not take the vitamins, and had the high-risk genotypes, were more likely to have a child with autism. Still, this was a small study limited in scope, and more research should be done to confirm these findings. The central nervous system of the fetus is sensitive to a wide range of chemicals, Hertz-Piccotto said. Hormones, such as estrogens and androgens, are essential for proper brain development. Endocrine-disrupting compounds need more research, she said. Flame-retardant chemicals called PBDEs interfere with the body's hormones. Even though many of them are no longer used in manufacturing, they can hang around in the environment and the human body for a long time. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is aware of concerns about these chemicals and is working on accessing substitutions (see the action plan). Bisphenol A, present in plastic food packaging and water bottles, among other products, is another big concern, she said, because it could interfere with the body's natural estrogen system; antimicrobials added to soaps, toothpaste and other products can artificially enhance androgenic activity. "That means that they could potentially play a role in autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders," Hertz-Piccotto said. Moreover, many children with autism spectrum disorders have abnormal immune responses. The chemical messengers in the immune system interact with the receptors in the brain, so chemicals that affect immunity could also be implicated in autism. Thyroid dysfunction is common in children with autism that psychiatrist Dr. Suruchi Chandra sees, even though that's not part of the classical symptoms of the condition. She believes the abnormalities are due to the thyroid hormone disruptors such as BPA and flame retardants. "Thyroid hormone is critical for brain development in early life, and even small alterations in hormone levels can have serious consequences; long-lasting and perhaps irreversible consequences in terms of brain function," she said. Air pollution from traffic and certain pesticides have also been shown to have associations with autism, studies have shown. Maternal conditions could partially result from chemicals in the environment. Andy Igrejas, National Campaign Director of Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, called for an update of the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) has proposed a stricter version that would require all industrial chemicals to be tested for safety. UPDATE: Since so many of you have asked, I wanted to clarify that this discussion does not relate to vaccines. The scientific evidence available has shown again and again that vaccines do not cause autism. soundoff (2,292 Responses)« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Next »Leave a Reply to MNUSA
« Previous entryGet Some Sleep: Beware the sleeping pill hangover
|
  About this blog
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.
 |
|
|
|
azithromycin for infection https://zithromaxes.com/ zithromax how to take
levitra cialis viagra comparison levitra 10 mg schmelztabletten coupons for levitra
generic cialis testimonials https://asciled.com/ – canada toronto cheap fase cialis 36 hour cialis
vikalis 20mg tadalafil https://boxtadafil.com/ – purchase tadalafil online tadalafil usp
buy cialis online next day shipping https://asciled.com/ cialis canadian pharmacy
Aggrenox caps https://uspharmus.com/ drugs from canada online
how to buy teva sub for viagra in canada https://canadaviagrastore.com/ is viagra the same in canada
dapoxetine hydrochloride 60 priligy pills
how to purchase cialis in canada https://cileve.com/ – buy generic cialis in canada cialis online australia
viagra pharmacy 100mg https://canadianeve21.com/ Bactrim
Really very happy to say,your post is very interesting to read.I never stop myself to say something about it.You're doing a great job.Keep it up
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=14663314353945436015
Impressive! Thanks for the post
https://www.manta.com/c/mk7y5t5/nick-s-air-conditioning-and-heating
how to make tadalafil https://boxtadafil.com/ – discount tadalafil 20mg tadalafil 20 mg dosage
cholorquine https://chloroquineorigin.com/ chloroquine phosphate medicine
buy sildenafil 100mg https://eunicesildenafilcitrate.com/ sildenafil 10 mg
cialis tablets for sell http://cileve.com/ buying cialis
canadian generic cialis safe https://canadacialisstore.com/ do you need prescription for canadian prescription of cialis in usa
This blog is great check it out
http://www.comprar-all-star.com/common-sense-programs-for-window-cleaning-service-some-useful-tips/
Really very happy to say,your post is very interesting to read.I never stop myself to say something about it.You're doing a great job.Keep it up
http://www.meinvz.net/Link/Dereferrer/?https://https://www.federatedfinancial.com/
sulfur effects on body https://chloroquineorigin.com/ chloroquine amazon
Suprax https://onlinecanda21.com/ Estrace
Eskalith https://canadianeve21.com/ – buy generic viagra online Viagra Plus
generic priligy dapoxetine for sale in australia
levitra online pharmacy review http://uslevitraanna.com/ buy levitra without prescription
avana india avana
viagra boys band http://gensitecil.com/ cost of viagra at walmart
generic viagra shipping from canada https://canadaviagrastore.com/ pfizer viagra canada pharmacy
dapoxetine with cialis http://asciled.com/ where to buy generic cialis ?
does revatio work like viagra https://gensitecil.com/ generic viagra from canada
Sildalist http://onlinecanda21.com/ Medex
levitra prezzo https://uslevitraanna.com/ levitra dosage how long does it last
pfizer viagra canada pharmacy https://canadaviagrastore.com/ cheap viagra from canada
cheap drugs https://uspharmus.com/ Vantin
avanafil 50mg buy avana canada
cialis online without prescription https://asciled.com/ where to buy cialis in singapore
cialis online without prescription http://rcialisgl.com/ – grapefruit cialis viagra cialis levitra sample pack
comprar viagra en espaГ±a online https://llviagra.com/ – viagra a quoi ca sert prix du viagra en algerie
drugstore online shopping north drug store canadian drugs online pharmacy
Isoptin SR http://xlnpharmacy.com/ muscle relaxant
I was extremely pleased to discover this page. I need to to thank you for ones time just for this fantastic read!! I definitely liked every little bit of it and I have you book marked to look at new information in your blog.
http://juen.schulweb.at/link/index.php?C=1526&L=http3A//fleetservicesocrv.com
Right here is the perfect site for anyone who really wants to find out about this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic that's been discussed for many years. Great stuff, just wonderful!
http://www.grumetiexpeditions.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.aikareborn.com
I’m amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and amusing, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is an issue that not enough people are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy I found this in my search for something concerning this.
http://radiko.jp/v2/api/redirect?url=http://www.ocrv.online
Saved as a favorite, I like your blog!
http://www.google.ml/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://boxtruckrepairshop.com
canadian pharmacy 24h com https://pharmacylo.com/ humana online pharmacy
http://map.google.bi/url?q=https://sunglasseseyedoctorsoptometristphoenixaz.com
http://islamicentre.org/link.asp?link=https://aikareborn.com
viagra https://jokviagra.com/ what happens when you take viagra
Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through many of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely pleased I came across it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back often!
https://limonet.si/paypal/paypal.php?lang=eng&ref=http3A2F2Ffleetservicesorangecounty.com
https://top.rusrek.com/redirect.php?url=https://ocrv.club
I blog often and I seriously appreciate your information. Your article has really peaked my interest. I will take a note of your website and keep checking for new details about once per week. I opted in for your Feed as well.
http://www.laplage.com.br/room-3-2/