Autism Linked to Environmental Mercury

Published: 2/14/2008

In a recent study published by the University of Texas, there was a very significant association between levels of environmentally released mercury and the incidence of autism. This study, done in cooperation with the Texas Education Department and the Environmental Protection Agency, found that for each 1,000 pounds of mercury released into the environment, there was an average 61% increase in the rate of autism, and that those areas with the highest amounts of mercury in the environment had the highest incidence of autism.

It’s important to point out that the mercury being referred to is the methyl mercury present in air pollution and industrial waste, not the ethyl mercury once found in small quantities in vaccines preserved with thimerosal. (Experts agree that developmental disabilities such as autism have continued to rise even after the removal of thimerosal from vaccines.) The greatest sources of methyl mercury are municipal and medical waste incinerators and power plants using fossil fuels, especially coal.

What’s the take-home? While I haven’t experienced a spike in autism my own practice, it’s clear that all neurodevelopmental disorders (including autism, attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD) and a variety of learning disabilities) are being diagnosed at greater rates than ever before. I think one factor that will turn out to be key in these disorders is exposure to chemicals and heavy metals before and after birth. Some research suggests that children with autism have a deficiency in the antioxidant glutathione that prevents it from properly detoxifying mercury.

Some protective steps to take:

• Women should try to avoid as many toxins as possible before, during and after pregnancy (if nursing).
• Both parents should make efforts to eat organic foods when possible. Fish, which is by far the most mercury-tainted food, should be limited to the recommended amounts and avoided entirely by pregnant women. (Get omega-3 essential fatty acids from fish-oil supplements instead.)
• Make sure your drinking water supply is safe and clean--check local water advisories for tap water and well water sources, install a home filtration system, or purchase clean water commercially.

Health & Place June 2006, “Environmental mercury, special education rates, and autism: an ecological study of Texas.”