9 "suspected culprits" causing autism in children

Humans are surrounded by toxic chemicals but we can minimize their harmful effects on our children.

1. Lead

Lead is a heavy metal that can damage a child’s developing brain and cause long-term effects on learning and health. Lead has also been linked to depression in young people. Lead is often found in old paint or leaking from old plumbing.

Prevention: Try to remove old paint if you are trying to conceive, are pregnant, are breastfeeding, or have young children in the home. If you are concerned about lead in your drinking water, call the Environmental Protection Agency for advice. Additionally, a low-fat, calcium- and iron-rich diet with foods such as low-fat dairy and green vegetables can help limit exposure to toxic lead.

2. Mercury

Mercury is a highly toxic metal that affects the developing brain of a fetus and can cause permanent damage. Mercury can accumulate in fatty fish; this is considered the leading source of mercury exposure for humans.

Prevention: Choose wild-caught fish and avoid eating fish from areas contaminated with mercury.

3. PCBs

PCBs are commonly used in electronics. Small amounts can damage healthy nerve cells and interfere with the body's natural calcium signaling, increasing the risk of autism in children. PCBs are found in the environment and inside the human body.

Prevention: Limit processed foods. PCBs accumulate in animal fat, so skin fish and trim fat from meat to reduce your family's exposure to PCBs.

4. Organochlorine pesticides

The now-banned pesticide DDT is a dangerous organochlorine pesticide, but several other pesticides are still in use and have been linked to birth defects and autism.

Prevention: Increase organic farming to reduce the risk of pesticide residue accumulation.

5. Engine emissions

Several recent studies have linked air pollution from motor vehicle exhaust to memory problems, brain damage and an increased risk of autism. A previous study found that children born to mothers living near motorways were twice as likely to develop autism.

Prevention: Limit travel during rush hour to avoid exposure to air pollution. Consider using an air purifier if you live near a highway.

6. Brominated flame retardants

Designed to reduce ignition in the event of a fire. Children born to mothers with high levels of the chemical in their bodies have lower IQs and perform worse on tests of physical and mental development.

Prevention: Brominated flame retardants are commonly found in furniture, electronics, sodas and sports drinks, and even household dust. Limit your exposure to objects and products that contain them.

7. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Carcinogens can be created when you grill meat, PAHs are also one of the 10,000 chemicals produced when cooking oil, garbage, coal or wood. This compound can damage DNA, affecting normal development and the formation of fetuses. In addition to grilled meats, PAHs are abundant in tar, dandruff shampoo, cigarette smoke and mothballs.

Preventive measures: Limit eating grilled meat, use non-toxic mothballs and avoid inhaling cigarette smoke.

8. Hormone-disrupting chemicals

Exposure to small amounts of hormone-disrupting chemicals during pregnancy can have serious health effects on children. Bisphenol A and phthalates have been linked to aggression in children, stunted growth, learning disabilities, and lower IQs. These chemicals are found in everyday household products such as soaps, shampoos, detergents, and air fresheners.

Prevention: Limit your use of canned foods or drinks. To avoid phthalate exposure, be cautious with scented candles and air fresheners; limit your use of personal care products that contain perfumes or fragrances.

9. Non-stick chemicals

Recent studies have shown that the convenience of kitchen appliances is not commensurate with the medical costs of health problems they cause, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, high cholesterol, and infertility disorders in adults.

Preventive measures: Avoid excessive heat when using non-stick cookware. It is best to use pots and pans made from cast iron or stainless steel.

According to Dan Tri/MSN - nt