Previous Research Has Linked Lead Exposure and Autism
Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that they will begin developing a new regulation to protect citizens from exposure to lead through drinking water. The agency vows to collaborate with local, state and federal agencies to make rapid progress towards the White House’s goal to remove 100% of lead water service lines throughout the country, with a focus on prioritizing communities disproportionately impacted by lead contamination. Additionally, the EPA will allocate $2.9 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to states, Tribes, and territories to remove lead service lines. Regarding this bold new move, the EPA’s Administrator Michael S. Regan stated, “The science on lead is settled–there is no safe level of exposure and it is time to remove the risk to support thriving people and vibrant communities.” Lead poisoning and the symptoms of autism can look similar. Due to this fact, research has been conducted looking at the two conditions. The jury is still on a definite causal effect between lead poisoning and autism, however previous research has connected the two.
