A new study has revealed higher levels of several chemicals in the baby teeth of children with autism compared to those without.
Hot Topics
5 red and purple foods that may help support heart health
A Chinese robot and a Russian robot attack humans Has the rebellion begun?
This discovery raises questions about a possible link between exposure to these substances during early developmental stages and the disorder, without proving that it causes it.
The study relied on the analysis of baby teeth because they retain traces of exposure to chemicals for long periods, unlike blood and urine.
Researchers analyzed baby teeth donated by the families of 38 children, including 22 with autism and 16 without, looking for traces of chemicals used in everyday products such as plastics, pesticides, perfumes, and flame retardants.
The analysis revealed an average of over 300 chemicals in the samples. Focusing on 60 compounds present in at least half of the children, the researchers found that 39 of them fell into categories including substances toxic to development or the reproductive system, or compounds that may disrupt the endocrine system.
Ninety-five percent of these compounds were found in higher concentrations in children with autism, with benzyl benzoate showing a 722% increase in autistic individuals. This substance is used in some personal care products, food additives, and treatments for lice and scabies.
The compounds with the highest levels in individuals with autism included:
The researchers also identified 11 compounds that had previously been reported to be transferable from baby bottles, as well as materials associated with baby products, food packaging, water pipes, and some household furnishings.
The results do not prove that the discovered substances cause autism, as the study is preliminary and included a limited number of children, and statistical correlation does not necessarily imply a causal relationship.
The researchers believe the results warrant further investigation, especially since some of the substances may affect the brain, liver, and mitochondria.
Baby teeth allow for tracking exposure to chemicals from pregnancy to the early years, helping to understand the timing and duration of exposure more accurately.
The researchers called for broader studies to investigate the nature of the relationship between exposure to these substances and autism, and to determine their potential effects during sensitive developmental stages, while emphasizing the importance of limiting exposure to chemicals that may pose a health risk, especially for pregnant women and young children, as a precautionary measure until more conclusive evidence is available.
The study was published in the journal "Neurotoxicology and Teratology".
what is your opinion on this news ?do let us know in the comments on tha comment box
if you liked this news article please share on friends & family & don't forget to follow on website & social media