Childhood Lead Exposure Linked to Worsening U.S. Mental Health Over 75 Years
A study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry suggests that childhood exposure to lead from vehicle exhaust may have significantly worsened mental health in the U.S. over the past 75 years, potentially contributing to 151 million excess psychiatric disorders.
Lower Folate Levels Linked to Higher Autism Risk From Prenatal Lead Exposure
New research has discovered that the association between gestational blood lead levels (BLLs) and autistic-like behaviors in young children was stronger when folate levels, either through plasma concentrations or folic acid (FA) supplementation, were lower.
Meta-Analysis Shows Significant Relationship Between Mercury and Autism
A recent meta-analysis published in Pediatric Health, Medicine and Therapeutics investigated the possible role that concentrations of copper, lead and mercury may play in the development of autism. The study analyzed 18 articles in which concentration samples of blood, hair and nails of 1797 patients aged 2 to 16 years were examined. In the end, no significant relationship was discovered between copper and lead concentrations and the development of autism. However, there was a significant relationship between mercury concentration and autism.
