Study Also Examines Mercury Exposure, Suggesting Potential Risks from Thimerosal
The Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders has recently published a systematic review of 74 studies conducted between 1983 and 2023, exploring the link between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and exposure to lead and exposure to mercury. The review, which analyzed diverse biological samples, including blood, urine, nails, hair, and teeth, found that lead exposure was associated with ADHD in nearly two-thirds of the studies reviewed. This exposure, which can cross the placental barrier, highlights risks from various sources, such as contaminated food, water, and secondhand smoke. While the review indicates that evidence on mercury exposure and ADHD remains inconclusive due to limited and heterogeneous studies, it suggests that Thimerosal—a mercury-containing compound used in some vaccines—could be a potential risk factor for ADHD. Ultimately, the authors feel that these findings underscore the need for continued research into the effects of environmental toxins on neurodevelopmental disorders and advocate for reducing lead and mercury exposure in children.
