Lithium levels in drinking water have been found to be associated with a slightly higher risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis in children. Researchers in Denmark conducted a study that measured the concentration of lithium in 151 public waterworks and mapped out where pregnant people lived in relation, comparing it to a database of 8,842 cases of ASD.
The results showed that as lithium levels in water increased, so did the risk of ASD diagnosis in children. Specifically, those who had the second and third highest exposure during pregnancy had a 24% to 26% higher risk of ASD diagnosed, while those with the highest exposure had a 46% higher risk than those at the lowest level of exposure.
However, experts caution that this association does not necessarily mean that lithium exposure leads directly to an autism diagnosis. Dr. Beate Ritz, co-author of the study and professor of neurology and epidemiology, emphasizes that further research is needed to confirm this finding.
"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, a professor of neurology and psychology at Harvard Medical School.
Other studies have suggested connections between ASD and environmental exposures to things like pesticides, air pollution, and phthalates. However, none of them has identified any direct cause of the disorder.
Dr. Max Wiznitzer, director of the Rainbow Autism Center, notes that research on the effects of lithium on pregnant people who take it for mental health disorders shows no connection with ASD. "It's an interesting association, but causation is definitely not proven," he said.
The study's findings highlight the need for more research into environmental factors and their potential impact on human development. As Wiznitzer noted, "We are bombarded with a variety of environmental stressors in our everyday lives. We have to figure out how to basically safely navigate them, and this is probably not one that's high on our list."
The implications of the study's findings for public health policy are complex, with some arguing that lithium levels in water may be associated with lower rates of hospitalization for psychiatric disorders and suicide.
In conclusion, while the study suggests a possible link between lithium exposure and autism diagnosis, further research is needed to confirm this finding and understand its potential implications for human health.
The results showed that as lithium levels in water increased, so did the risk of ASD diagnosis in children. Specifically, those who had the second and third highest exposure during pregnancy had a 24% to 26% higher risk of ASD diagnosed, while those with the highest exposure had a 46% higher risk than those at the lowest level of exposure.
However, experts caution that this association does not necessarily mean that lithium exposure leads directly to an autism diagnosis. Dr. Beate Ritz, co-author of the study and professor of neurology and epidemiology, emphasizes that further research is needed to confirm this finding.
"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, a professor of neurology and psychology at Harvard Medical School.
Other studies have suggested connections between ASD and environmental exposures to things like pesticides, air pollution, and phthalates. However, none of them has identified any direct cause of the disorder.
Dr. Max Wiznitzer, director of the Rainbow Autism Center, notes that research on the effects of lithium on pregnant people who take it for mental health disorders shows no connection with ASD. "It's an interesting association, but causation is definitely not proven," he said.
The study's findings highlight the need for more research into environmental factors and their potential impact on human development. As Wiznitzer noted, "We are bombarded with a variety of environmental stressors in our everyday lives. We have to figure out how to basically safely navigate them, and this is probably not one that's high on our list."
The implications of the study's findings for public health policy are complex, with some arguing that lithium levels in water may be associated with lower rates of hospitalization for psychiatric disorders and suicide.
In conclusion, while the study suggests a possible link between lithium exposure and autism diagnosis, further research is needed to confirm this finding and understand its potential implications for human health.
but at the same time my sister's best friend has 3 kids with ASD and she takes lithium for anxiety 
I don't know if it's related or not but it's weird that they found this link in Denmark 
maybe they should look into it more? I mean I use to take lithium too back in the day when I was on meds for depression 
and I'm fine now 
but still...this is kinda freaky 
but I think we need to be careful with how we look at this one. I mean, the study only found a correlation between lithium levels in water and autism diagnoses in kids. It doesn't necessarily mean that drinking water with high levels of lithium is going to cause autism 
. We're still talking about a possible link here, not a proven fact.
. I'm not saying we should just ignore this study or anything, but we need to keep things in perspective and not jump to conclusions.
. So, do we want to start regulating drinking water levels just because there's a possible link to autism diagnoses? That's a pretty big ask 
.
. I'm all for exploring new information, but let's not rush into anything without thinking it through 
.
just found out that drinking tap water might actually increase my chances of getting autistic kids as neighbors in 20 years lol 
anyway, researchers in Denmark did a study on lithium levels in water and autism diagnosis and guess what? the results are pretty scary - increased risk of ASD by 24-46% depending on how much lithium is in your water 
now imagine all those pregnant women taking lithium for mental health issues who have kids that'll be exposed to all this 
But, at the same time, experts are being super cautious and saying we need more research before drawing any conclusions. I get it, but it's like, what if this study is actually onto something? 
. And honestly, it makes me think about all the other environmental stressors we're exposed to daily and how we need to figure out how to safely navigate them.