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A recent study has found a moderately higher risk of autism spectrum disorder in children born to pregnant people exposed to tap water with higher levels of lithium. However, it is important to note that this association does not establish a direct link between the two. Autism spectrum disorder affects approximately 1 in 36 children in the US each year.
The exact cause of autism is still unknown, with genetics being a potential factor. However, there has been increasing interest in exploring potential environmental causes as well. Despite the rising number of cases, it is unclear whether this is due to a true increase or simply increased screening and diagnosis.
Lithium, an alkali metal, naturally occurs in some food and groundwater. It is commonly used in batteries, grease, and air conditioners, as well as for the treatment of bipolar disorder and blood disorders. Its levels in US drinking water are unregulated.
A new study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics examined the association between lithium exposure and autism diagnosis in Denmark, where the level of lithium in drinking water is similar to that in the US. The study found a small association between lithium and autism diagnosis, with higher exposure levels during pregnancy corresponding to a modestly increased risk of ASD in children.
However, it is important to note that the study could not determine the amount of water consumed by pregnant individuals. Denmark was chosen as the study location due to its low consumption of bottled water.
While the study suggests a potential link between lithium exposure and autism diagnosis, it does not establish causation. Further research is needed, and the study would need to be replicated in other countries to determine if a similar connection exists.
It is also worth considering the complex implications of these findings for public health policy. While higher concentrations of lithium in water have been associated with a potential ASD risk, they have also been linked to health benefits such as lower rates of hospitalization for psychiatric disorders and suicide.
Given the complexity of the issue, guidelines for lithium in drinking water that prioritize the well-being of the entire population will require careful consideration of all associations and potential risks.
Other research has explored the effects of lithium on pregnant individuals who take it for mental health disorders. These studies, which involve much higher levels of exposure than what is found in drinking water, have not shown a connection with autism spectrum disorder.
It is worth noting that other studies have also suggested connections between ASD and environmental exposures to factors such as pesticides, air pollution, and phthalates. However, none of these studies establish a direct cause of the disorder.
Establishing a link between environmental exposure and ASD is challenging. For example, although research shows that increased exposure to air pollution raises the risk of giving birth to a child with ASD, it is unclear whether it is the pollution itself or other factors associated with polluted areas that contribute to the increased risk.
With numerous environmental stressors in our everyday lives, it is essential to navigate them safely. While the potential association between lithium in drinking water and ASD is interesting, further research is needed to determine the underlying mechanisms and establish a definitive link.