Study Suggests Possible Autism/Pesticide Link
California Department of Public Health researchers studied 465 children with autism spectrum disorders in 19 counties born between 1996 and 1998, comparing them with a control group of nearly 7,000 other children.The article goes on to stress that the study is NOT an indictment of the pesticide as an actual cause of autism. Instead, they say, it raises the suggestion that further study is needed.They found that women who lived close to fields with the highest use of a group of pesticides known as organochlorines were the most likely to bear children with the disorders, which range from mild to severe and cover a wide array of neurological and developmental problems, including difficulties with speaking, social interaction and motor skills.
Of course, everyone knows that pesticides are, frankly, poison. The likelihood that they would NOT do harm is almost zero. Still, though, it seems unlikely that a particular pesticide could possibly be the cause of a worldwide epidemic of autism. In fact, it's interesting that so many news outlets have picked up on this story which, under normal circumstances, would be only of passing interest.
Do you think this pesticide/autism link is meaningful? Is it, in fact, another piece of the autism jigsaw puzzle? Or is it just a boondoggle - a factoid without much significance?
Comments
Too early to say. No premature conclusions were reached in the study, the authors were careful not to exaggerate or jump to conclusions. But surely research on the causes of, or contributing factors to, autism should continue on pesticides and any other “factoids” that MIGHT be involved in causing autism.
PESTICIDES AND AUTISM
Well here we go again, another surge into blame for autism. I understand the need, I understand the basis, but I worry about the future of my son who is already here. There is no question that autism is in the news. Consequently the zealots are looking to blame the government, fault the pharmaceutical industry, and now charge agricultural business.
Years ago, I was asked to talk with a family with a son who was recently diagnosed with autism. Certainly I agreed and expected a call. The call never came. Months later I talked with my friend who arranged the meeting. “Oh”, she said, “They don’t think the kid is autistic anymore, he just is neurologically impaired, due to inhaling carpet cleaning material”. There you go. Carpet cleaners one day, pesticides the next, what will be the next “blameworthiness du jour?” What about our kids! Let’s fight for programs, awareness, humanity!
I am suspicious of zealots. It’s not the passion; it’s the impetus, or catalyst that worries me. Who benefits? Lisa Jo Rudy of Autism About.com asks if this is all “boondoggle – a factoid without much significance.” I say yes. That is my humble, non professional opinion.
Give it a break. You see the stats. There’s an EPIDEMIC!!!!!!!!! Why shouldn’t every possibility be checked?
Among other comments {murcury in vaccine included} My daughter stated that at one time the city was spraying for West Nile {Keep Your Doors Closed] Disease. Both my daughter and the girl next door delivered babies in the same month. They are both autistic!
Looks like people have gotta stick to organics