Lithium levels detected in tap water may be linked to an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, according to a new study. The research, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, found a moderate association between lithium exposure and ASD diagnosis in Denmark.
The study analyzed data from over 8,800 cases of ASD and more than 43,000 participants without ASD, who were born between 2000 and 2013. Researchers measured the concentration of lithium in 151 public waterworks that served more than half of the Danish population and mapped out where pregnant women lived.
The results showed a modest increase in risk of ASD diagnosis with higher levels of lithium exposure. Specifically, children exposed to the second-highest level of lithium had a 24% to 26% increased risk of ASD compared to those at the lowest exposure level, while those exposed to the highest level had a 46% higher risk.
However, experts caution that this association does not prove a direct link between lithium exposure and ASD. "Any drinking water contaminants that may affect the developing human brain deserve intense scrutiny," said Dr. Beate Ritz, co-author of the study and professor at UCLA. But more research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms.
The implications of this study are complex, as higher levels of lithium in drinking water have also been linked to health benefits such as lower rates of hospitalization for psychiatric disorders and suicide. "If all these associations are valid, the wisdom of Solomon will be required to develop guidelines for lithium in drinking water that are maximally protective of the entire population," said Dr. David C. Bellinger.
Other research on the effects of lithium on pregnant women who take it for mental health disorders has not shown a connection with ASD. A study published last year found no link between lithium exposure and ASD, despite higher levels of exposure than those detected in tap water.
A similar pattern of association is seen with environmental exposures to other factors, such as pesticides, air pollution, and phthalates, which have been linked to an increased risk of ASD. However, these findings are often based on observational studies, and causality can be difficult to establish.
"We need to figure out how to safely navigate the various environmental stressors in our lives," said Dr. Max Wiznitzer, director of the Rainbow Autism Center at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital. "This is probably not one that's high on our list."
The study highlights the complexity of understanding autism spectrum disorder and the need for further research into potential environmental causes.
The study analyzed data from over 8,800 cases of ASD and more than 43,000 participants without ASD, who were born between 2000 and 2013. Researchers measured the concentration of lithium in 151 public waterworks that served more than half of the Danish population and mapped out where pregnant women lived.
The results showed a modest increase in risk of ASD diagnosis with higher levels of lithium exposure. Specifically, children exposed to the second-highest level of lithium had a 24% to 26% increased risk of ASD compared to those at the lowest exposure level, while those exposed to the highest level had a 46% higher risk.
However, experts caution that this association does not prove a direct link between lithium exposure and ASD. "Any drinking water contaminants that may affect the developing human brain deserve intense scrutiny," said Dr. Beate Ritz, co-author of the study and professor at UCLA. But more research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms.
The implications of this study are complex, as higher levels of lithium in drinking water have also been linked to health benefits such as lower rates of hospitalization for psychiatric disorders and suicide. "If all these associations are valid, the wisdom of Solomon will be required to develop guidelines for lithium in drinking water that are maximally protective of the entire population," said Dr. David C. Bellinger.
Other research on the effects of lithium on pregnant women who take it for mental health disorders has not shown a connection with ASD. A study published last year found no link between lithium exposure and ASD, despite higher levels of exposure than those detected in tap water.
A similar pattern of association is seen with environmental exposures to other factors, such as pesticides, air pollution, and phthalates, which have been linked to an increased risk of ASD. However, these findings are often based on observational studies, and causality can be difficult to establish.
"We need to figure out how to safely navigate the various environmental stressors in our lives," said Dr. Max Wiznitzer, director of the Rainbow Autism Center at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital. "This is probably not one that's high on our list."
The study highlights the complexity of understanding autism spectrum disorder and the need for further research into potential environmental causes.
, I mean, if there's even a moderate association between exposure to it and an increased risk of ASD in kids, that's gotta be taken seriously 
. I know we need to weigh all the health benefits against the risks, but it's just not something you want to mess around with when it comes to your little ones 
. We should be keeping a close eye on this and seeing what more research can tell us about how to minimize any potential harm 
.
let's keep pushing for answers and get to the bottom of this 
I'm kinda worried about this one, fam... Lithium in tap water? It's like, we're already dealing with enough stuff, you know? Autism is a complex issue, and if there's even a hint of a link to something as common as lithium in drinking water... I just don't want our kids to be affected by it. We need more research, stat! 
. Having my kid drink tap water every day feels like a nightmare now 
. I mean, I've heard some scary stuff about fluoride before, but lithium? That's just crazy talk 
! What if all these other chemicals are in our drinking water too? We need to get to the bottom of this ASAP 
This study might've found some link, but it's not enough for me... I want action now! 
. i'm not saying it's definitely the cause, cuz science is hard like that, but its def worth looking into further. and yikes, 46% higher risk at the highest level of exposure... gotta be careful what we're exposing our kids to, you feel?
I'm all about staying safe when it comes to our environment, but this study is like, what even is the connection between lithium and autism? 
I'm all for research and finding answers, but we need more concrete evidence here. Can't wait for those follow-up studies... 
. They're trying to distract us from the real issues with the water supply by bringing up lithium levels 
. What's next? Are they gonna say that fluoride in our toothpaste is causing all these kids to have autism too? 
. I think there's a bigger agenda at play here, folks. We need to stay vigilant and keep digging for the truth 
.
. experts say it's not proof but still, shouldn't we be aware of what we're exposing our kids to? 
[A GIF of a kid looking confused, with a tiny lithium symbol overlaid] 
A lot of people are going to be drinking water that's super bad for them 
! We need more research, but I guess that's always true for anything 
. On the bright side, if lithium is bad for us, maybe we can just stick to eating avocados or something 
. 
Like, it's complex, man.
It's like, we're all connected, man.
This study better not be just a fluke, because that would be straight up disappointing 
.
I think we need more research, but at the same time, I'm also kinda glad that people are finally talking about this stuff. Maybe we can learn something from it? 
. We need to figure out what's safe for us and our kids without being too restrictive, or we'll be over-regulating everything 
. Maybe we should focus on reducing those other environmental stressors first? Or maybe it's just a case of correlation not causation... IDK, but this study makes me wanna check my tap water level 
. I mean, all those factors are already stressing us out enough with air pollution and pesticides and stuff... can't we just get some answers?