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Pesticide Exposure May Increase Autism Risk

Limited study posits link between disorder and environmental factor

By Caroline Zimmerman,  Newser User

Posted Jul 30, 2007 6:05 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Certain pesticides may be partially responsible for causing autism, a small study reveals. The autism rate among the children of 29 women living near California fields sprayed with organochlorine pesticides was six times higher than that in kids of women living farther away, the LA Times reports. But researchers warn the study's small scope prevents airtight conclusions.

"We want to emphasize that this is exploratory research," says the state's top public health official. The study is among the first to suggest a correlation between pesticides and the neurological disorder; a scientist with a group that promotes alternatives to pesticide use calls it "one of those things that make you sit up and pay attention."

A gloved hand takes precaution in the use of pesticide. Within the limited, preliminary study, autism rates were six times greater than those of mothers who did not live near sprayed fields.
A gloved hand takes precaution in the use of pesticide. Within the limited, preliminary study, autism rates were six times greater than those of mothers who did not live near sprayed fields.   (Shutterstock.com)
Rich Staudt of Total Landscaping Care waters a customer's lawn with his organic compost tea, Wednesday, June 27, 2007, in Wantagh, N.Y. Staudt is one of a growing number of landscapers who have embraced organic lawn care as an alternative to pesticides and other chemicals. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Rich Staudt of Total Landscaping Care waters a customer's lawn with his organic "compost tea", Wednesday, June 27, 2007, in Wantagh, N.Y. Staudt is one of a growing number of landscapers who have embraced...   (Associated Press)
Autism, which affects one out of 150 children, impairs social and communication skills, and may be the result of environmental factors such as pesticides.
Autism, which affects one out of 150 children, impairs social and communication skills, and may be the result of environmental factors such as pesticides.   (Shutterstock.com)
Van Moad flies his crop-duster over a field in this file photo. The study of autism rates among the children of 29 women who lived near pesticide treated fields was unusually high, suggesting a possible correlation.
Van Moad flies his crop-duster over a field in this file photo. The study of autism rates among the children of 29 women who lived near pesticide treated fields was unusually high, suggesting a possible...   (KRT Photos)
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Other recent autism research
Science Daily

Reports on rise in autism are alarmist
Times (UK)

Calif. Department of Public Health news room
California Department of Public Health

The suspect chemicals are no longer in wide use
Associated Press

 
environment • California • disease • autism • organochlorine • health study • pesticide

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