An Associated Press article by Carla K. Johnson reports some sobering news about autism. Two government studies show that the incidence of this disorder, thought to be 1 in 150 U.S. children, is actually 1 in 100. Even though experts, as they usually do, cite increased awareness and better diagnosis as accounting for some of the increase, they readily admit that these numbers are going up.
What could be causing this increase? For years, many parents have claimed that additives in vaccines, particularly mercury, are complicit in the genesis of this disorder. Although I have read many studies that refute that claim, there is still much debate on this issue, with good reason. Toxic levels of mercury cause behavioral changes, confusion, irritability and depression. Like lead, it accumulates in the body. Studies disproving adverse effects of vaccines generally allow for a 10-14 day window after vaccination for negative effects to appear. Any that show up after that time, even after multiple vaccinations, are not counted. It is no wonder that parents' fears are not quelled by these studies.
Recently, the magazine Natural Solutions cited a Swedish study on indoor air pollution that came up with an interesting correlation: Children who crawled around on vinyl floors were twice as likely to develop autism as children whose homes had either linoleum or wood floors. This research was investigating the link between phthalates, which is used in vinyl flooring, and respiratory problems. This chemical, used widely in plastics manufacturing, gives products like polyvinyl chloride added flexibility and resilience. Like bisphenol A, it is an endocrine mimic that has been tied to many health problems, is used in many consumer applications and is not required to be listed on product labels.
It will be interesting to see what the plastics industry's reaction will be to this new information. The increased incidence of autism is alarming and real. While the government is handing out money to the big guys, perhaps they could fund some independent research to help identify and halt the industrial practices that are leading to this childhood health crisis.
What could be causing this increase? For years, many parents have claimed that additives in vaccines, particularly mercury, are complicit in the genesis of this disorder. Although I have read many studies that refute that claim, there is still much debate on this issue, with good reason. Toxic levels of mercury cause behavioral changes, confusion, irritability and depression. Like lead, it accumulates in the body. Studies disproving adverse effects of vaccines generally allow for a 10-14 day window after vaccination for negative effects to appear. Any that show up after that time, even after multiple vaccinations, are not counted. It is no wonder that parents' fears are not quelled by these studies.
Recently, the magazine Natural Solutions cited a Swedish study on indoor air pollution that came up with an interesting correlation: Children who crawled around on vinyl floors were twice as likely to develop autism as children whose homes had either linoleum or wood floors. This research was investigating the link between phthalates, which is used in vinyl flooring, and respiratory problems. This chemical, used widely in plastics manufacturing, gives products like polyvinyl chloride added flexibility and resilience. Like bisphenol A, it is an endocrine mimic that has been tied to many health problems, is used in many consumer applications and is not required to be listed on product labels.
It will be interesting to see what the plastics industry's reaction will be to this new information. The increased incidence of autism is alarming and real. While the government is handing out money to the big guys, perhaps they could fund some independent research to help identify and halt the industrial practices that are leading to this childhood health crisis.
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