More evidence on pesticides and autism in children

For a long time, many people still believe that genetics is the main cause of autism in children. However, a group of American scientists has announced new findings showing that pesticides can increase the risk of this incurable disease.

In a study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives on June 23, American scientists analyzed information on pesticide use in the state of California and the residences of about 1,000 mothers of children with autism.

After examining where these mothers lived during pregnancy and close to their due date, scientists discovered that about 30% of them lived only about 1.25km to 1.75km from farm fields that were heavily sprayed with pesticides and herbicides.

Researchers also found that certain pesticides were commonly sprayed near the homes of mothers whose children had autism or other developmental delays. The risk of autism was also highest among women who lived near areas where pesticides were sprayed in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Speaking to reporters, research team leader Janie Shelton from the University of California said this new discovery helps strengthen previous research results showing a link between children with autism and agricultural chemicals that mothers are exposed to during pregnancy.

Although she believes that more research is needed to determine this issue, Ms. Shelton also recommends that pregnant women should pay attention to avoid being near and exposed to agricultural chemicals, which can affect the health of the mother and fetus.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with autism often have delayed communication skills, difficulty using language, do not understand symbols and have little imagination. The disease usually appears before the age of 3 when the child separates himself from reality and the surrounding environment.

Newborns do not show obvious signs of the disease, but from the 18th month onwards, parents and those around them can clearly see symptoms of the disease in their children, such as the child showing indifference, not paying attention to surrounding activities, not responding to the care of adults with facial expressions, looks or smiles.

Children with autism still develop physically normally but are stunted and less developed than their peers, as shown by the fact that they cannot speak, cannot speak in sentences, and have difficulty integrating into society.

In the world, one in every 100 children has autism. The United States has the highest rate of autism with a statistical rate of 1/68./.

According to VNA