CA Study Cites Chemicals in the Home as Possible Autism Trigger
While autism rates have been climbing at a frightening rate, its root causes have remained elusive. Researchers at the University of California, Davis M.I.N.D. institute have concluded that the focus of autism research should shift away from genetics or accounting practices and toward the increase of toxic chemicals and infectious microbes in the environment, especially in the home. Since 1990, autism rates in California have increased 600 to 700 percent. The study, published in Epidemiology, suggests that environmental toxins like metals, pesticides, and infectious agents could play a large part in the increase.
The dramatic increase in autism rates in California has been attributed to several factors, including increases in families bringing autistic children into California and changes in how autistic children are diagnosed. To address the first issue, the study only looked at California natives. The second issue, accounting practices, played a small part in the increase, but no more than 20% of the overall increase.
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With these factors ruled out, said M.I.N.D. researcher Irva Hertz-Picciotto, genetics and environment become the most likely, “and genetics don’t change in such a short period of time.” Hertz-Picciotto is currently involved in two large studies investigating the possible environmental causes of autism, including one that is looking into flame retardants and pesticides. A new study reported by Scientific American found a link between the increase of phthalates, a compound used in vinyl and cosmetics, and autism rates.
Perhaps not coincidentally, the M.I.N.D study began soon after a 2005 Center for Disease Control and Prevention study that showed that most American children and adults carried within their bodies dozens of potentially toxic pesticides and chemical compounds used in consumer products. While the study showed that levels of certain known harmful chemicals like lead have decreased after greater awareness and regulation, the levels of chemicals whose effects are unknown have greatly increased. For 148 chemicals listed in the report, the CDC admitted they do not know the potential health effects.
Fetuses and newborns are at most risk to harmful chemicals because of the enormous cell growth. The CDC study showed that one in every 18 women of childbearing age in the United States had mercury in their bodies that exceeded the EPA’s safe levels. In their early years, children are at higher risk due to the chemicals in flame retardants, their habit of putting everything in their mouths, and crawling on the floor - and their bodies are less able to metabolize them.
One of the key elements of green building is increased indoor air quality, including the limiting of VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, in the home. These studies highlight the need for better indoor air quality measures and greater education among homeowners and product manufacturers. Additionally, the fact that hundreds of chemicals without known health effects are in widespread use should spur the CDC and EPA to push for their testing or removal from products until they are proven safe.
*Note: The original version of this article mistakenly implied that the study ruled out vaccines as a cause of autism. I apologize for the mistake. In order to return the focus of the article to the issue of harmful chemicals in the home, I have removed the parts discussing vaccines.
Picture: “Content or Discontent” by theblooms via stock.xchng
Statement from Lilly in 1976
“We are not aware of any instance of ‘mercury poisoning’ after decades of marketing this product.” said in 1976 the next line calls them a lier
1972 Article received by Lilly: Merthiolate in vaccines caused six deaths ? “The symptoms and clinical course of the six patients suggest sub acute mercury poisoning.”
4/27/76 Lilly responds to Rexall Drug Company’s efforts to place the following warning on Merthiolate product: “Frequent or prolonged use or application to large areas may cause mercury poisoning.” Lilly objects to this proposed warning, stating:
“We object to the connection of our trademark with the unjustified alarm and concern on the part of the user which the statement is likely to cause? . We are not aware of any instance of ‘mercury poisoning’ after decades of marketing this product. This is because the mercury in the product is organically bound ethylmercury as a completely non- toxic nature, not methylmercury.” this was in 1972
seems they wern’t aware of Dr. Engleys findings from 1948 in the AMA paid for blue ribbon panel study
also in the AMA Journal
Dr. Engleys and teams findings
“We found thimerosal is toxic down to a level that is almost unbelievable. Down to 1.10, maybe 100 nanograms…a millionth of a gram and that is about as toxic as you can get,” he said.”
Also Thimerosal is neither efficacious nor safe, and should be removed as a preservative in prescription biologics and pharmaceutical products, as well as from topical over-the-counter products such as Butt-Balm that have Thimerosal present in their formulations as an active ingredient.
Remember all the flu vaccines that had to be destroyed over half from one manuf. It was preserved
with Thimerosal it could not even kill the easest to
kill microbe
also Dr. Engley tells of a story from 1938 from one of the biggest blood drives for Brittish war efforts ever, It to was preserved with Thimerosal and all of it arrived useless much like the current CDC
This was also a Quote from Dr. Engley “if they had followed through on our 82 report the vaccines would have been freed of thimerosal and all this autism they tell me would not have occurred” you cannot get any more clearer than that…. and they say they don’t know what is causing autism that is pure BS and this statement proves it.
So our children were damaged,and costing states tons of money for no apparent benefit acording to Dr. Engley and his blue ribbon panels findings.
Did you actually READ the study? I would suggest either reading (for the first time) or going back and re-reading the study. Then, adjust your article accordingly.
In 1931, Dr. Charles Richet won a Nobel Prize for his theory on “Anaphylaxis”, which can be accessed at:
http://tinyurl.com/3eey7p
Almost one hundred years ago, Dr. Richet discovered that our immune systems are as unique to each individual as are our fingerprints and DNA. Which means, the scientific likelihood of developing a “one size fits all vaccine” is all but impossible.
So, why do we insist on giving a newborn infant, within hours of birth, the HEP B vaccine….when there is no way ANYONE can know if that infant has inherited a genetic INTOLERANCE for the varied substances in that vaccine?
Curious to know why my previous comments were not printed re: Charles Richet’s “anaphylaxis” theory?
Thank you, everyone, for your comments. I realized that my poor wording of the vaccine/autism connection implied that the study ruled out any connection, which is not the case. In an attempt to return the focus of the article to indoor air quality and the possible health effects of chemicals in the home, I have removed the parts of the article addressing vaccines. I included a note at the end of the article. I apologize for the implication and applaud those of you who endeavor to find a cure for autism.
As I mentioned in an earlier comment, another Green Options site, Eco Childs Play, contains articles on mercury in vaccines.
[...] The fact remains that diagnoses of autism are on the rise. Recent findings suggest that autism may be linked to environmental factors, such as proximity to sites emitting industrial mercury and exposure to chemicals in the home. [...]