Experts call for more research after study suggests small increase in autism rates in areas with higher lithium in water

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A recent study discovered a moderately higher risk of autism spectrum disorder in children born to pregnant individuals exposed to tap water with elevated levels of lithium. However, it is crucial to note that this association does not imply a direct link between the two.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately 1 in 36 children in the US annually. The cause of autism is still unknown, although genetics may play a role, while some researchers are investigating potential environmental factors.

While cases of autism may be increasing, the exact reasons are uncertain. One study in the New York-New Jersey area revealed a tripling of autism diagnosis rates among certain age groups from 2000 to 2016. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) attribute the rise in cases to increased screening by doctors.

Lithium, found naturally in some foods and groundwater, is utilized in various applications, including the treatment of bipolar disorder. A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics indicated a small association between lithium in drinking water and the diagnosis of autism in Denmark.

The research found a modest increased risk of ASD diagnosis with higher lithium levels in water. Although further investigation is needed to establish a direct link between lithium exposure and autism.

Our expert co-author, Dr. Beate Ritz, emphasizes the importance of in-depth scrutiny into potential drinking water contaminants affecting brain development. Replication of the study in other countries is crucial to validate the findings.

The study’s implications pose challenges for public health policies, as lithium in water – at the concentrations associated with potential ASD risk – has also shown health benefits. Dr. David C. Bellinger highlights the importance of understanding the biology of ASD to distinguish causal from spurious associations.

While research on the effects of lithium on pregnant individuals for mental health disorders has not shown a connection with autism, environmental exposures such as pesticides and phthalates have been suggested as potential risk factors.

Dr. Max Wiznitzer underscores the complexities of proving a link between environmental exposure and ASD, pointing out the challenges of differentiating causation from speculation. With various environmental stressors in our lives, understanding their impact on health is essential.

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