Research suggests a small increase in autism diagnosis in regions with higher lithium levels in drinking water, prompting calls for further investigation, according to experts.

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According to a new study, a moderately higher risk of autism spectrum disorder may be present in children born to pregnant people exposed to tap water which contains higher levels of lithium. However, experts are cautious and point out that this association doesn’t indicate a direct link between the two.

Approximately 1 in 36 children in the US are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) annually. The exact cause of autism is still unknown. While genetics might play a role, researchers are also investigating potential environmental causes.

Cases of autism may be increasing, but the reasons are unclear. Recent studies in the New York-New Jersey area found a tripling of autism diagnosis rates among specific age groups between 2000 and 2016. However, the CDC suggests that the surge in cases is likely due to an increase in doctors screening for the condition.

Lithium is an alkali metal found naturally in some food and groundwater. It is used in various applications such as batteries and air conditioners and is used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics discovered a small association between lithium and autism diagnosis in Denmark, correlating that the level of lithium in drinking water is similar to that in American water systems.

The study examined data from people with psychiatric disorders in Denmark between 2000 and 2013, found 8,842 cases of ASD and 43,864 participants without ASD. It discovered a modest increased risk of ASD diagnosis in children as lithium levels in water increased.

Experts emphasize that it is essential to note that the research does not prove that lithium exposure directly leads to an autism diagnosis. Further research is needed to validate these findings and examine any possible causal relationships.

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