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A new study has discovered a moderately higher risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children born to pregnant people exposed to tap water with higher levels of lithium. However, experts caution that this association does not demonstrate a direct link between the two.
Autism spectrum disorder affects approximately 1 in 36 children in the US each year, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While the exact cause of autism is still unknown, genetics may play a role, and there is ongoing research into potential environmental causes.
The number of autism cases may be increasing, but this remains unclear. Some studies suggest that the diagnosis rates of autism have tripled among certain age groups between 2000 and 2016, while others attribute the increased number of cases to improved screening by doctors.
Lithium, an alkali metal, is naturally present in some food and ground water. It is used in batteries, grease, air conditioners, and for the treatment of bipolar disorder and blood disorders. The levels of lithium in US drinking water are not regulated.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found a small association between lithium and autism diagnosis in Denmark, where the level of lithium in drinking water is similar to that in American water systems. The study examined data on 8,842 cases of ASD and 43,864 participants without ASD. As lithium levels in water increased, there was a modest increased risk of an ASD diagnosis.
It’s important to note that the research does not establish a direct causal relationship between lithium exposure and autism. Further study is required, and the research would need to be replicated in other countries to determine if a similar connection exists.
The implications of these findings are complex in terms of public health policy. While the study suggests a potential ASD risk associated with higher lithium levels, previous research has linked lithium to health benefits such as lower rates of hospitalization for psychiatric disorders and suicide.
Dr. Max Wiznitzer, director of the Rainbow Autism Center at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, points out that research on pregnant people taking higher doses of lithium for mental health disorders does not show a connection to autism spectrum disorder. He emphasizes the need for a biologically plausible mechanism to explain how a small amount of lithium in the water supply could lead to an increased risk of ASD.
Other studies have also suggested links between ASD and environmental exposures to factors such as pesticides, air pollution, and phthalates. However, none of these factors has been proven to be a direct cause of the disorder.
Proving a link between environmental exposure and ASD is challenging. While research has shown that increased exposure to air pollution raises the risk of having a child with ASD, it is difficult to determine whether pollution itself is the determining factor or if it’s the populations living in more polluted areas.
In conclusion, while the association between lithium exposure and autism spectrum disorder warrants further study, it is important to approach these findings with caution. We must strive to navigate the multitude of environmental stressors in our everyday lives safely and prioritize research that will provide a deeper understanding of the causes of autism.