Association Claims No Need for Metal, Mineral, or Environmental Toxin Assessments
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Council on Environmental Health has urged pediatricians and families across the country to stop using several clinical tests for children with autism and other related disabilities. This recommendation, among others, is included within a broader campaign called “Choosing Wisely,” which encourages evidence-based health care that is considered truly necessary and does not duplicate or harm. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now believes that urine testing of children with autistic behaviors for metals or minerals is unnecessary. They also frown upon analyzing hair for environmental toxins for the same cohort of children. Additionally the AAP has called for the cessation of chelation challenge urinary analyses for children with suspected lead poisoning. Mold sensitivity testing was also in the organization’s crosshairs. They feel it should only be reserved for children displaying distinct allergy and asthma symptoms. Furthermore, the campaign’s recommendations indicate that, in most cases, pediatricians should not use measurements of environmental chemicals in blood or urine to make clinical decisions. A spokesperson for the AAP’s Council on Environmental Health stated that tests or treatments claiming to diagnose childhood diseases based on chemical measurements may be misleading or based on a false premise and believes that parents should rely on pediatricians to address concerns about chemical exposures.
