The cause of autism is still unknown, but we are definitely closer to figuring it out. A new study published in the journal PLOS Computational Biology,
from researchers at the University of Chicago revealed that autism and
intellectual disability (ID) rates are linked with exposure to harmful
environmental factors during congenital development.
“Essentially what happens is
during pregnancy… there are certain sensitive periods where the fetus is
very vulnerable to a range of small molecules – from things like
plasticisers, prescription drugs, environmental pesticides and other
things. Some of these small molecules essentially alter normal
development. Autism appears to be strongly correlated with rate of
congenital malformations of the genitals in males across the country,
this gives an indicator of environmental load and the effect is
surprisingly strong. The strongest predictors for autism were associated
with the environment; congenital malformations on the reproductive
system in males.” (1) - Andrey Rzhetsky, professor of genetic medicine and human genetics at the University of Chicago
during pregnancy… there are certain sensitive periods where the fetus is
very vulnerable to a range of small molecules – from things like
plasticisers, prescription drugs, environmental pesticides and other
things. Some of these small molecules essentially alter normal
development. Autism appears to be strongly correlated with rate of
congenital malformations of the genitals in males across the country,
this gives an indicator of environmental load and the effect is
surprisingly strong. The strongest predictors for autism were associated
with the environment; congenital malformations on the reproductive
system in males.” (1) - Andrey Rzhetsky, professor of genetic medicine and human genetics at the University of Chicago
The team analyzed data that covered more
than one third of the U.S. population. Data from individual states and
more than 2,100 counties were used. Fetuses, particularly males, are
sensitive to multiple toxins such as environmental lead, medications and
a wide variety of other synthetic molecules, like pesticides, mercury
and more. Exposure to these toxins during critical stages of development
is thought to explain a large portion of congenital reproductive
malformations.
than one third of the U.S. population. Data from individual states and
more than 2,100 counties were used. Fetuses, particularly males, are
sensitive to multiple toxins such as environmental lead, medications and
a wide variety of other synthetic molecules, like pesticides, mercury
and more. Exposure to these toxins during critical stages of development
is thought to explain a large portion of congenital reproductive
malformations.
“It’s really a very significant
study, and should trigger the medical community, the scientific
community and the government, looking at this especially interesting
avenue for the prevention of autism. We know that one of the ways to
show that there is a problem with pollution is to show through the
presence of these reproductive defects and we know that there is a
relationship between the presence of these defects and the presence of
autism related disorders” Dr. Harbut, Providence-St John Environmental Medicine Expert
study, and should trigger the medical community, the scientific
community and the government, looking at this especially interesting
avenue for the prevention of autism. We know that one of the ways to
show that there is a problem with pollution is to show through the
presence of these reproductive defects and we know that there is a
relationship between the presence of these defects and the presence of
autism related disorders” Dr. Harbut, Providence-St John Environmental Medicine Expert
This isn’t the first time that
scientists have linked autism to the environment. In 2009,
Hertz-Picciotto and Lora Delwiche of the UC Dais Department of Public
Health Sciences analyzed 17 years of state data that tracks
developmental disabilities.
scientists have linked autism to the environment. In 2009,
Hertz-Picciotto and Lora Delwiche of the UC Dais Department of Public
Health Sciences analyzed 17 years of state data that tracks
developmental disabilities.
“It’s time to start looking for
the environmental culprits responsible for the remarkable increase in
the rate of autism in California.” (2) – Irva Hertz – Picciotto, epidemiology professor at University of California, David
the environmental culprits responsible for the remarkable increase in
the rate of autism in California.” (2) – Irva Hertz – Picciotto, epidemiology professor at University of California, David
Our environment is full of
neurodevelopmental toxins, which means they alter how the brain grows.
Mercury, polychlorinated diphenyl, lead, brominated flame retardants and
pesticides are a few of many examples. Don’t forget about insecticides
and herbicides.
neurodevelopmental toxins, which means they alter how the brain grows.
Mercury, polychlorinated diphenyl, lead, brominated flame retardants and
pesticides are a few of many examples. Don’t forget about insecticides
and herbicides.
Another recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine compared
brain autopsies of autistic children who had died from unrelated causes
to those of normal ones. The autistic brains demonstrated abnormal
patches of disorganized neurons that disrupted the usual distinct layers
in the brain’s cortex. The study suggests that abnormalities occurred
in utero during key developmental stages between 19 to 30 weeks
gestation. It’s not just the toxin, it’s the timing of the exposure as
well.(3)
brain autopsies of autistic children who had died from unrelated causes
to those of normal ones. The autistic brains demonstrated abnormal
patches of disorganized neurons that disrupted the usual distinct layers
in the brain’s cortex. The study suggests that abnormalities occurred
in utero during key developmental stages between 19 to 30 weeks
gestation. It’s not just the toxin, it’s the timing of the exposure as
well.(3)
In the United States alone, autism rates
have risen from 1:10,000 in 1981 to 1:68 in 2014. Again, multiple
studies point to the prevalence of toxins in our environment as the
culprit, and there are toxins in many things. No doubt about it, we
might not be looking at one cause for autism, but multiple factors
associated with how we choose to live our lives on a daily basis.
have risen from 1:10,000 in 1981 to 1:68 in 2014. Again, multiple
studies point to the prevalence of toxins in our environment as the
culprit, and there are toxins in many things. No doubt about it, we
might not be looking at one cause for autism, but multiple factors
associated with how we choose to live our lives on a daily basis.
So, let’s take a look at some of these toxins that could be linked to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
One factor I’d like to touch upon first
is the fact that autism rates in Europe have remained pretty steady over
the last decade. This coincides with the fact that in more than 60
countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all of the
countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or
complete bans on the production and sale of GMOs and the pesticides that
go with them. In the United States, government agencies have approved
massive amounts of pesticides, completely ignoring the fact that they
are linked to numerous health ailments. Not long ago, the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) recently raised the allowable concentrations of
Monsanto’s glyphosate, also known as “Roundup” on food crops, edible
oils and animal feed (you can read more about that here).
Although we don’t know for sure, it’s important to at least consider
the large increase in Genetically Modified Organism (GMOs) and the
massive amount of chemicals (pesticides and herbicides) that are dumped
on them every year. These pesticides have been linked to numerous health
ailments.
is the fact that autism rates in Europe have remained pretty steady over
the last decade. This coincides with the fact that in more than 60
countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all of the
countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or
complete bans on the production and sale of GMOs and the pesticides that
go with them. In the United States, government agencies have approved
massive amounts of pesticides, completely ignoring the fact that they
are linked to numerous health ailments. Not long ago, the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) recently raised the allowable concentrations of
Monsanto’s glyphosate, also known as “Roundup” on food crops, edible
oils and animal feed (you can read more about that here).
Although we don’t know for sure, it’s important to at least consider
the large increase in Genetically Modified Organism (GMOs) and the
massive amount of chemicals (pesticides and herbicides) that are dumped
on them every year. These pesticides have been linked to numerous health
ailments.
A group of scientists put together a
comprehensive review of existing data that shows how European regulators
have known that Monsanto’s glyphosate causes a number of birth
malformations since at least 2002. Regulators misled the public about
glyphosate’s safety, and in Germany the Federal Office for Consumer
Protection and Food Safety told the European Commission that there was
no evidence to suggest that glyphosate causes birth defects.
comprehensive review of existing data that shows how European regulators
have known that Monsanto’s glyphosate causes a number of birth
malformations since at least 2002. Regulators misled the public about
glyphosate’s safety, and in Germany the Federal Office for Consumer
Protection and Food Safety told the European Commission that there was
no evidence to suggest that glyphosate causes birth defects.
This study was published by Earth Open
Sources, which is an organization that uses open source collaboration to
advance sustainable food production. The report was headed by Dr M.
Antoniou, Head Gene Expression and Therapy Group, from the Department of
Medical and Molecular Genetics at King’s College London School of
Medicine, UK. Dr. Antoniou was joined by 6 other doctors who have a
similar biography. The report provides a comprehensive review of the
peer-reviewed scientific literature documenting the serious health
hazards posed by glyphosate and Roundup herbicide formulations. You can
read the entire document here.
Sources, which is an organization that uses open source collaboration to
advance sustainable food production. The report was headed by Dr M.
Antoniou, Head Gene Expression and Therapy Group, from the Department of
Medical and Molecular Genetics at King’s College London School of
Medicine, UK. Dr. Antoniou was joined by 6 other doctors who have a
similar biography. The report provides a comprehensive review of the
peer-reviewed scientific literature documenting the serious health
hazards posed by glyphosate and Roundup herbicide formulations. You can
read the entire document here.
“Our examination of the evidence
leads us to the conclusion that the current approval of glyphosate and
Roundup is deeply flawed and unreliable. In this report, we examine the
industry studies and regulatory documents that led to the approval of
glyphosate. We show that industry and regulators knew as long ago as the
1980s and 1990s that glyphosate causes malformation – but that this
information was not made public. We demonstrate how EU regulators
reasoned their way from clear evidence of glyphosate’s teratogenicity in
industry’s own studies to a conclusion that minimized these findings in
the EU Commission’s final review report”
leads us to the conclusion that the current approval of glyphosate and
Roundup is deeply flawed and unreliable. In this report, we examine the
industry studies and regulatory documents that led to the approval of
glyphosate. We show that industry and regulators knew as long ago as the
1980s and 1990s that glyphosate causes malformation – but that this
information was not made public. We demonstrate how EU regulators
reasoned their way from clear evidence of glyphosate’s teratogenicity in
industry’s own studies to a conclusion that minimized these findings in
the EU Commission’s final review report”
Here is
another study that shows Glyphosate can cause abnormalities. It was
published in 2010 by the American Chemical Society, the research was
conducted at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
another study that shows Glyphosate can cause abnormalities. It was
published in 2010 by the American Chemical Society, the research was
conducted at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
“The direct effect of glyphosate
on early mechanisms of morphogenesis in vertebrate embryos opens
concerns about the clinical findings from human offspring in populations
exposed to glyphosate in agricultural fields.”
on early mechanisms of morphogenesis in vertebrate embryos opens
concerns about the clinical findings from human offspring in populations
exposed to glyphosate in agricultural fields.”
Another study outlines how glyphosate
toxicity leads to suppression of critical enzymes, and as a result links
the Western diet to heart disease, Alzheimer, Parkinson, autism and
more. (4)
toxicity leads to suppression of critical enzymes, and as a result links
the Western diet to heart disease, Alzheimer, Parkinson, autism and
more. (4)
Glyphosate has also been linked to
cancer, and various other health ailments. There are numerous studies
documenting this and you can find our more information here.
cancer, and various other health ailments. There are numerous studies
documenting this and you can find our more information here.
It’s no secret that the brain of an
embryo, fetus, or infant is at risk for significant and permanent damage
from exposure to chemicals, like pesticides. Not long ago, a study
published in the Journal Reproductive Toxicology successfully
identified the presence of pesticides – associated with genetically
modified foods in maternal, fetal and non-pregnant women’s blood. They
also found the presence of Monsanto’s Bt toxin, and warn about toxin
exposure during critical stages of development. (5)
embryo, fetus, or infant is at risk for significant and permanent damage
from exposure to chemicals, like pesticides. Not long ago, a study
published in the Journal Reproductive Toxicology successfully
identified the presence of pesticides – associated with genetically
modified foods in maternal, fetal and non-pregnant women’s blood. They
also found the presence of Monsanto’s Bt toxin, and warn about toxin
exposure during critical stages of development. (5)
The study concluded, apart from
pesticides, that Monsanto’s Bt toxins are clearly detectable and appear
to cross the placenta to the fetus. Some studies have linked Monsanto’s
Bt toxin to cancer, damaging kidney cells, and more, especially when
they are combined with Round-up
pesticides, that Monsanto’s Bt toxins are clearly detectable and appear
to cross the placenta to the fetus. Some studies have linked Monsanto’s
Bt toxin to cancer, damaging kidney cells, and more, especially when
they are combined with Round-up
Multiple studies outline the need for
further research when it comes to GMOs before we can say they are 100 %
safe for consumption.
further research when it comes to GMOs before we can say they are 100 %
safe for consumption.
“Given the potential toxicity of
these environmental pollutants and the fragility of the fetus, more
studies are needed, particularly those using the placental transfer
approach. Thus, our present results will provide baseline data for
future studies exploring a new area of research relating to nutrition,
toxicology and reproduction in women. Today, obstetric-gynecological
disorders that are associated with environmental chemicals are not
known. Thus, knowing the actual concentration of genetically modified
foods in humans constitutes a cornerstone in the advancement of research
in this area.” (5)
these environmental pollutants and the fragility of the fetus, more
studies are needed, particularly those using the placental transfer
approach. Thus, our present results will provide baseline data for
future studies exploring a new area of research relating to nutrition,
toxicology and reproduction in women. Today, obstetric-gynecological
disorders that are associated with environmental chemicals are not
known. Thus, knowing the actual concentration of genetically modified
foods in humans constitutes a cornerstone in the advancement of research
in this area.” (5)
There is more research confirming that
mothers who are exposed to commonly used, “safe” pesticides give birth
to children with lower intelligence, structural brain abnormalities,
behavioral disorders, compromised motor skills, higher rates of brain
cancer and small head size. (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)
mothers who are exposed to commonly used, “safe” pesticides give birth
to children with lower intelligence, structural brain abnormalities,
behavioral disorders, compromised motor skills, higher rates of brain
cancer and small head size. (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)
In Late 2013, the European Food Safety
Authority determined that pesticides, like neonicotinamides (linked to
killing millions of bees, read more about that here) may negatively affect the development of neurons and brain structures in unborn babies. (16)
Authority determined that pesticides, like neonicotinamides (linked to
killing millions of bees, read more about that here) may negatively affect the development of neurons and brain structures in unborn babies. (16)
These are largely produced by Bayer pharmaceuticals.
“Given the ubiquitous exposure
to many environmental toxicants, there needs to be renewed efforts to
prevent harm. Such prevention should not await detailed evidence on
individual hazards. Toxic exposure to chemical pollutants during these
windows of increased susceptibility can cause disease and disability in
childhood and across the entire span of human life.”(17) – Worlds foremost pediatricians, toxicologists, environmental scientists and epidemiologists at a conference held in 2007
to many environmental toxicants, there needs to be renewed efforts to
prevent harm. Such prevention should not await detailed evidence on
individual hazards. Toxic exposure to chemical pollutants during these
windows of increased susceptibility can cause disease and disability in
childhood and across the entire span of human life.”(17) – Worlds foremost pediatricians, toxicologists, environmental scientists and epidemiologists at a conference held in 2007
Scientists at the conference (quote
above) emphasized that common exposure to chemicals during critical
stages of development of the fetus or newborns increases their chances
of contracting diabetes, cancer, thyroid damage and more.
above) emphasized that common exposure to chemicals during critical
stages of development of the fetus or newborns increases their chances
of contracting diabetes, cancer, thyroid damage and more.
“Chemical pollution represents a serious threat to children, and to Man’s survival.” (18) – The Standing Committee of European Doctors.
Did you know that Americans alone are
exposed to approximately 100,000 industrial chemicals? When it comes to
babies, all pregnant woman are literally stuffed with hazardous
chemicals. One study illustrated the tracking of just 163 chemicals, in
which 99 percent of pregnant women tested positive for at least 43
different chemicals. (19)
exposed to approximately 100,000 industrial chemicals? When it comes to
babies, all pregnant woman are literally stuffed with hazardous
chemicals. One study illustrated the tracking of just 163 chemicals, in
which 99 percent of pregnant women tested positive for at least 43
different chemicals. (19)
There has even been significant
concentrations of glyphosate found in the urine of people across Europe.
You can read more about that here.
A new study from the U.S. Geological Survey, titled “Pesticides in
Mississippi Air and Rain: A Comparison Between 1995 and 2007,” reveals
that Roundup herbicide (aka glyphosate) and its toxic degradation
byproduct AMPA were found in over 75% of the air and rain samples tested
from Mississippi in 2007. You can read more about that here.
concentrations of glyphosate found in the urine of people across Europe.
You can read more about that here.
A new study from the U.S. Geological Survey, titled “Pesticides in
Mississippi Air and Rain: A Comparison Between 1995 and 2007,” reveals
that Roundup herbicide (aka glyphosate) and its toxic degradation
byproduct AMPA were found in over 75% of the air and rain samples tested
from Mississippi in 2007. You can read more about that here.
The above makes it clear, toxins,
especially when fetuses and newborns are exposed to them have the
potential to be extremely harmful. So what else are they exposed to at a
young age apart from environmental toxins? They are exposed to toxins
commonly found in vaccinations.
especially when fetuses and newborns are exposed to them have the
potential to be extremely harmful. So what else are they exposed to at a
young age apart from environmental toxins? They are exposed to toxins
commonly found in vaccinations.
Let’s be clear, more and more
researchers are now considering the fact that toxins at critical stages
of development can play a role in autism (as stated and illustrated many
times in this article). The vaccine/autism debate has been a
controversial one, but for pro-vaccine advocates, saying there is
absolutely zero cause for concern is ridiculous. Just because something
hasn’t been found, does not mean there is zero cause for concern. So
lets look at both sides.
researchers are now considering the fact that toxins at critical stages
of development can play a role in autism (as stated and illustrated many
times in this article). The vaccine/autism debate has been a
controversial one, but for pro-vaccine advocates, saying there is
absolutely zero cause for concern is ridiculous. Just because something
hasn’t been found, does not mean there is zero cause for concern. So
lets look at both sides.
A study published in March of 2013
determined that “Increasing exposure to Antibody-Stimulating Proteins
and Polysaccharides (antigens) in Vaccines is Not Associated with Risk of Autism.” You can view that study here.
determined that “Increasing exposure to Antibody-Stimulating Proteins
and Polysaccharides (antigens) in Vaccines is Not Associated with Risk of Autism.” You can view that study here.
On the other hand, a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Translational Neurodegeneration provided
epidemiological evidence supporting an association between increasing
organic-Hg exposure from thimerosal-containing childhood and the risk of
ASD diagnosis. You can take a look at that study here.
epidemiological evidence supporting an association between increasing
organic-Hg exposure from thimerosal-containing childhood and the risk of
ASD diagnosis. You can take a look at that study here.
A paper published in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health titled Thimerosal Exposure and the Role of Sulfation Chemistry and Thiol Availability in Autism concluded:
“With the rate of children
diagnosed with an ASD in the US now exceeding 1 in 50 children and the
rate of children with neurodevelopment/behavioral disorders in the US
now exceeding 1 in 6 children, and the preceding evidence showing that
there is vulnerability to ™ that would not be known without extensive
testing, the preponderance of the evidence indicates that ™ should be
removed from all vaccines”
diagnosed with an ASD in the US now exceeding 1 in 50 children and the
rate of children with neurodevelopment/behavioral disorders in the US
now exceeding 1 in 6 children, and the preceding evidence showing that
there is vulnerability to ™ that would not be known without extensive
testing, the preponderance of the evidence indicates that ™ should be
removed from all vaccines”
The list goes on and on, bottom line,
vaccines are full of toxins, and they are administered at critical
stages of development, which includes pregnant woman. This study (study
linking autism to toxin exposure) further pushes the importance of
looking at the multiple vaccines babies are bombarded with at birth, and
the toxins found within them. For more CE articles on vaccines and
autism, click HERE.
vaccines are full of toxins, and they are administered at critical
stages of development, which includes pregnant woman. This study (study
linking autism to toxin exposure) further pushes the importance of
looking at the multiple vaccines babies are bombarded with at birth, and
the toxins found within them. For more CE articles on vaccines and
autism, click HERE.
It also doesn’t help that vaccine
manufactures and health authorities have known about and covered up
(hidden from parents) dangers associated with vaccinations in order to
protect herd immunity. Documents obtained by Lucija Tomljenovic, PhD,
from the Neural Dynamics Research Group in the Department of
Opthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of British Columbia
reveal that vaccine manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies and health
authorities have known about multiple dangers associated with vaccines
but chose to withhold them from the public. (20)
manufactures and health authorities have known about and covered up
(hidden from parents) dangers associated with vaccinations in order to
protect herd immunity. Documents obtained by Lucija Tomljenovic, PhD,
from the Neural Dynamics Research Group in the Department of
Opthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of British Columbia
reveal that vaccine manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies and health
authorities have known about multiple dangers associated with vaccines
but chose to withhold them from the public. (20)
At the end of the day, you always have a
choice and you shouldn’t make that decision based on fear. Ridding your
personal environment from harmful pesticides and toxins does contribute
to a healthier environment. From personal experience, living in a
virtually chemical free environment for a few years now, the difference
felt when stepping into another is overwhelming. It’s amazing how
desensitized we’ve become, and how we fail to notice these things on a
daily basis.
choice and you shouldn’t make that decision based on fear. Ridding your
personal environment from harmful pesticides and toxins does contribute
to a healthier environment. From personal experience, living in a
virtually chemical free environment for a few years now, the difference
felt when stepping into another is overwhelming. It’s amazing how
desensitized we’ve become, and how we fail to notice these things on a
daily basis.
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