Pesticide spraying is linked to autism
Pesticide spraying is linked to autism, according to new research to be presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2016 Meeting.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders. This disorder is characterized by social impairments, trouble with communication, and restricted, repetitive stereotyped patterns of behavior. According to the National Institutes of Health, experts estimate that 1 out of 88 children will have autism spectrum disorder.
Currently, autism is considered a condition with no treatment. According to the CDC: “There are no medications that can cure ASD or treat the core symptoms.”
Pesticide spraying in the new study refers to the use of airplanes to spray pesticides onto crops to prevent mosquitoes.
The study, entitled “Aerial Pesticide Exposure Increases the Risk of Developmental Delay and Autism Spectrum Disorder,” observed a swampy region in New York where pyrethroid pesticides are sprayed every summer.
The pesticides target mosquitoes that contain the eastern equine encephalitis virus. They found that children within the proximity of where the pesticides were sprayed were 25 percent more likely to develop autism than those who lived in regions with other methods.
“Other studies have already shown that pesticide exposure might increase a child’s risk for autism spectrum disorder or developmental delay,” said lead investigator Steven Hicks, MD PhD. “Our findings show that the way pesticides are distributed may change that risk. Preventing mosquito-borne encephalitis is an important task for public health departments,” he said. “Communities that have pesticide programs to help control the mosquito population might consider ways to reduce child pesticide exposure, including alternative application methods.”
The study press release showing that pesticide spraying is linked to autism American Academy of Pediatrics.
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REFERENCES:
1. “Autism Fact Sheet.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). National Institutes of Health, n.d. Web. 2 May 2016.
2. “Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Treatment.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24 Feb. 2015. Web. 2 May 2016.
3. “Pesticide Spraying Tied to Higher Autism Rates?” WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 02 May 2016.
4. “Aerial Spraying to Combat Mosquitos Linked to Increased Risk of Autism in Children.” American Academy of Pediatrics. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 May 2016.
