Lithium levels in tap water may be linked to an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children born to pregnant women exposed to higher concentrations.
Researchers have found a modest association between lithium exposure and ASD diagnosis in Denmark, where the level of lithium in drinking water is similar to that in US systems. The study, published Monday in JAMA Pediatrics, analyzed data from 8,842 cases of ASD and 43,864 participants who did not have ASD. The results showed that as lithium levels in water increased, so did the risk of an ASD diagnosis.
Those exposed to higher concentrations had a 24% to 26% higher risk compared to those at lower exposure levels. In contrast, pregnant people who drink bottled water may be more likely to have their water tested for lithium and are less likely to consume tap water with high lithium levels, according to experts.
The study's lead author says the research can't show that lithium exposure leads directly to an autism diagnosis. The results suggest that further study is needed to look for a similar connection in other countries and more research is required to determine if there is a biological mechanism by which small amounts of lithium in tap water can increase ASD risk.
Other studies have suggested connections between ASD and environmental exposures to pesticides, air pollution, and phthalates. However, none point to any of these factors as a direct cause of the disorder. The study highlights the complexity of determining whether there is a causal link between an environmental exposure like lithium in tap water and a developmental disorder like autism.
The implications of this finding are complex for public health policy. While lithium levels in drinking water have been linked to lower rates of hospitalization for psychiatric disorders and suicide, the exact mechanism by which small amounts of lithium may increase ASD risk is still unknown.
Researchers have found a modest association between lithium exposure and ASD diagnosis in Denmark, where the level of lithium in drinking water is similar to that in US systems. The study, published Monday in JAMA Pediatrics, analyzed data from 8,842 cases of ASD and 43,864 participants who did not have ASD. The results showed that as lithium levels in water increased, so did the risk of an ASD diagnosis.
Those exposed to higher concentrations had a 24% to 26% higher risk compared to those at lower exposure levels. In contrast, pregnant people who drink bottled water may be more likely to have their water tested for lithium and are less likely to consume tap water with high lithium levels, according to experts.
The study's lead author says the research can't show that lithium exposure leads directly to an autism diagnosis. The results suggest that further study is needed to look for a similar connection in other countries and more research is required to determine if there is a biological mechanism by which small amounts of lithium in tap water can increase ASD risk.
Other studies have suggested connections between ASD and environmental exposures to pesticides, air pollution, and phthalates. However, none point to any of these factors as a direct cause of the disorder. The study highlights the complexity of determining whether there is a causal link between an environmental exposure like lithium in tap water and a developmental disorder like autism.
The implications of this finding are complex for public health policy. While lithium levels in drinking water have been linked to lower rates of hospitalization for psychiatric disorders and suicide, the exact mechanism by which small amounts of lithium may increase ASD risk is still unknown.
I'm kinda surprised that they found a link between high lithium levels in tap water and increased autism diagnosis in kids... I mean, I'm glad we're learning more about this, but 24-26% is a pretty big jump for my liking 
. What's even more worrying is how pregnant people might be able to avoid this risk by just switching to bottled water 
. I get that the study can't prove direct causation, but it still raises so many questions... like, what's the safe level of lithium in tap water, and are we really okay with having small amounts potentially harming our kids' development? 
The scientists did say they can't show direct cause, but what if this is like when you're feeling stressed and you drink more coffee? Could be some link there too? 
I'm not sure if it's just Denmark or other places with similar water levels that need to be careful. Don't know about bottled water being tested for this stuff... but I guess if we're gonna reduce ASD risk, we should be checking our tap water too? 
. It sounds like more hype than hard science to me. And what about the fact that other environmental factors like pesticides and air pollution have been linked to ASD without being directly blamed for it? 
The study is saying we need more research, but I think we're already getting a lot of research on this topic. Let's not jump to conclusions just yet 
.
. I know, right? My brain is all over the place just thinking about it! 
. Wait, does that mean I'm saying that lithium levels in tap water could cause autism, but only if we don't know for sure yet? 
It's making me think that we need to keep exploring and getting more info on how our surroundings affect our little ones. We gotta consider all the possible factors that could be contributing to autism cases. The research is definitely needed, especially since it's not just about Denmark or the US. What about other countries and communities? 
. I mean, think about it - our tap water has some pretty scary stuff in it already, like lead and whatnot. And now we're finding out that lithium might be causing autism in kids? That's just not good enough for me 
. I know the researchers are saying it can't prove causation, but what if this is actually a ticking time bomb for us? What if our water companies don't take responsibility and just keep on keeping on, putting more and more lithium into our pipes?
. I'm not saying we should all freak out or anything (although, let's be real, it is pretty unsettling), but we need to have a serious conversation about what's in our water and how we can make sure our kids are safe.
. And what's with the "modest association" thing? Sounds like they're trying to downplay it 
. I get that more research is needed, but can't we just wait until we have some solid evidence before freaking out about lithium levels in our tap water? 
. I mean, who doesn't love having a 24-26% increased risk of autism in their kiddos due to some random chemical in the water 
? And let's not forget about the convenience factor - pregnant women can just drink bottled water and voilà! 
Their water is safe from all the evil chemicals that are slowly turning our kids into zombies 
. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that we're already overmedicating ourselves on antidepressants and ADHD meds...
. We need more research and studies before we start making drastic changes to our daily lives.
I'm getting a bit worried about our tap water here. Just found out that higher concentrations might be linked to an increased risk of autism in kids born to moms exposed. That's not good, right? 