Lithium levels in drinking water may be linked to an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children born to mothers exposed to higher concentrations during pregnancy. A new study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics found a modest association between lithium exposure and ASD diagnosis, but experts caution that the connection is not conclusive.
The study analyzed data from 8,842 cases of ASD and 43,864 participants without ASD, comparing the concentration of lithium in drinking water to the risk of ASD diagnosis. The researchers found that as lithium levels in water increased, so did the risk of an ASD diagnosis. Specifically, children born to mothers exposed to higher levels of lithium during pregnancy had a 24% to 26% higher risk of ASD diagnosis compared to those with lower exposure.
However, experts say more research is needed to confirm this association and rule out other factors that may contribute to the development of ASD. "Any drinking water contaminants that may affect the developing human brain deserve intense scrutiny," said Dr. Beate Ritz, a professor of neurology at UCLA. "We need to replicate these findings in other countries to look for a similar connection."
The implications of this study are complex and far-reaching. While lithium has been linked to health benefits such as lower rates of hospitalization for psychiatric disorders and suicide, the potential risks of exposure through drinking water must be carefully considered. "If all these associations are valid, we will need to develop guidelines for lithium in drinking water that are maximally protective of the entire population," said Dr. David C. Bellinger, a professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School.
Other studies have suggested connections between ASD and environmental exposures to pesticides, air pollution, and phthalates, but none have established these factors as direct causes of the disorder. As one expert noted, "we are bombarded with a variety of environmental stressors in our everyday lives, and we need to figure out how to safely navigate them."
The study's findings highlight the need for further research into the potential links between environmental exposures and ASD. While the connection between lithium exposure and ASD is intriguing, it remains unclear whether this association can be replicated and translated into meaningful public health policy.
The study analyzed data from 8,842 cases of ASD and 43,864 participants without ASD, comparing the concentration of lithium in drinking water to the risk of ASD diagnosis. The researchers found that as lithium levels in water increased, so did the risk of an ASD diagnosis. Specifically, children born to mothers exposed to higher levels of lithium during pregnancy had a 24% to 26% higher risk of ASD diagnosis compared to those with lower exposure.
However, experts say more research is needed to confirm this association and rule out other factors that may contribute to the development of ASD. "Any drinking water contaminants that may affect the developing human brain deserve intense scrutiny," said Dr. Beate Ritz, a professor of neurology at UCLA. "We need to replicate these findings in other countries to look for a similar connection."
The implications of this study are complex and far-reaching. While lithium has been linked to health benefits such as lower rates of hospitalization for psychiatric disorders and suicide, the potential risks of exposure through drinking water must be carefully considered. "If all these associations are valid, we will need to develop guidelines for lithium in drinking water that are maximally protective of the entire population," said Dr. David C. Bellinger, a professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School.
Other studies have suggested connections between ASD and environmental exposures to pesticides, air pollution, and phthalates, but none have established these factors as direct causes of the disorder. As one expert noted, "we are bombarded with a variety of environmental stressors in our everyday lives, and we need to figure out how to safely navigate them."
The study's findings highlight the need for further research into the potential links between environmental exposures and ASD. While the connection between lithium exposure and ASD is intriguing, it remains unclear whether this association can be replicated and translated into meaningful public health policy.
just saw this study and its kinda mind blown... lithium in water linked to autism? i mean, i know lithium has its benefits but like, what about the risks? we gotta get to the bottom of this, especially since other factors like pesticides and air pollution are already connected to ASD. idk how much control we have over our environment but we gotta try, right? 
maybe it's time for some new guidelines for drinking water quality 
. And I get what the experts are saying about needing more research, but at the same time, if we're talking about something that could impact millions of kids' lives, shouldn't we be looking into this more ASAP? 
. And let's not forget, this is just another environmental toxin that we're supposed to trust the government and scientists to keep safe for us 
. Meanwhile, kids are still getting ASD diagnoses left and right... meanwhile what about the ones who aren't diagnosed yet? 
and we cant just ignore the fact that experts are saying more research is needed ASAP 
from pesticides to air pollution to phthalates... we need to get to the bottom of this and find ways to protect our brains (and bodies) 
.
I think it's time for us to take a closer look at how lithium is handled in our water treatment plants and maybe even start looking into alternatives. After all, as one expert said, "we are bombarded with a variety of environmental stressors in our everyday lives... we need to figure out how to safely navigate them." 
It's a complex issue, but I think it's time for us to take a stand - or should I say, a regulation? 
? 24-26% higher risk, mind you. But hold up, isn't lithium used for meds and whatnot to help people with mental health issues? 
I remember when my aunt was on lithium pills for depression... she's doing better now but that's a whole different story.
There are so many studies out there about environmental toxins and their effects on human health. Pesticides, air pollution, phthalates... the list goes on. Can't we just say we're aware of it and take precautions? 
. I'm no expert but I thought we were more advanced than this... or are we? 
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. I'm all for studying this stuff, but we gotta approach it with a healthy dose of skepticism and rigorous testing before we start freaking out about what might happen if our water contains some trace amount of lithium 
. And another thing, have they even considered the fact that maybe the people who are most exposed to lithium in their drinking water (i.e. people living in areas with high levels of lithium contamination) might already be at risk for other health issues that could contribute to ASD diagnosis? Let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater here 
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ugh just thinking about it makes me sad...can't we just make sure our drinking water is safe for everyone? 
i feel like we need more research on this and not just a bunch of studies that are not conclusive 
what if it's not just lithium? what if its another pollutant or something entirely different? 
24-26% higher risk of ASD diagnosis is crazy, you know? 
I mean, what's the point of waiting if we already think it might be bad for our kids' brains? 
. And what about all the other environmental stressors we're exposed to every day? Like pesticides, air pollution, phthalates... shouldn't those be a bigger concern too? 
researchers found out that kids born 2 moms who drank water w/ high levels of lithium during pregnancy r more likely 2 get autism 
. But at the same time, it's good that scientists are looking into it and trying to figure out what's going on. Maybe we should be getting our tap water tested regularly or something 
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