Studies Show that Babies Exposed to Environmental Toxins During Pregnancy have a Higher Risk for Autism

Some studies link autism to vaccines, environmental toxins, and genetic factors. The question of what causes autism is controversial and complex. Parents and professionals are passionate about this issue, and with increased attention and awareness, new studies and theories emerge with regularity. Most experts agree that the causes of autism are linked to complex genetic predispositions and environmental factors. Recent studies show a strong correlation between exposure to environmental toxins to  fetuses with autism.
According to a study published by Dr Landrigan, Professor of Pediatrics at Mt. Sinai, “ If babies are exposed in the womb or shortly after birth to chemicals that interfere with brain development, the consequences last a lifetime.”
Children exposed to specific toxins during, the first trimester in the womb, have a disproportionate occurrence of neurological disorders such as autism.  “The New York Times”, in an article published on February 24, 2010, mentions medications such as; valproic acid, methal mercury, lead, ethyl alcohol as being culprits.
According to Dr. Manny, Managing Editor of Health.com, phalates, which are commonly found in items like hairspray, make-up and plastics, are associated with risk factors. He further mentions valproic acid (a commonly prescribed seizure medicine prescribed to pregnant women with seizure disorders) as increasing risk factors. On February 27, 2010, he mentions “Patients exposed to valproic acid during the first trimester of pregnancy, have an 11% increase in autism.”
The correlation of environmental toxins and neurological disorders cannot be ignored. Some argue that the increasing rate of neurological disorders that we are experiencing in the  U.S. is due to increased awareness and better diagnosis techniques. Environmental toxins and genetic factors are becoming increasingly apparent. 

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