Lithium levels in tap water linked to autism diagnosis risk, but more research needed
A new study has found a slightly higher risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children born to pregnant people exposed to tap water with higher levels of lithium. The association was found in Denmark, where the researchers say the level of lithium in drinking water is similar to that in American water systems.
The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, analyzed data from 8,842 cases of ASD and 43,864 participants who did not have ASD. It found that as lithium levels in water increased, so did the risk of an ASD diagnosis. The group 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 show a direct link between lithium exposure and autism diagnosis. "Any drinking water contaminants that may affect the developing human brain deserve intense scrutiny," said Dr. Beate Ritz, co-author of the study.
The implications of the findings are complex, as lithium levels in water have also been linked to health benefits such as lower rates of hospitalization for psychiatric disorders and suicide. However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between lithium exposure and ASD.
Other studies have suggested connections between ASD and environmental exposures to things like pesticides, air pollution, and phthalates. But none of them points to any of these factors as a direct cause of the disorder.
The risk of autism diagnosis in children is significant, with about 1 in 36 children diagnosed each year in the US. Scientists still do not know the exact cause of ASD, but genetics may be a factor, and some have been looking at potential environmental causes.
The study's findings highlight the need for further research into the effects of lithium exposure on fetal brain development. "We have to figure out how to basically safely navigate these environmental stressors," said Dr. Max Wiznitzer, director of the Rainbow Autism Center at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland.
In the meantime, policymakers will need to weigh the potential benefits of regulating lithium levels in drinking water against the uncertainty of its impact on ASD diagnosis. "The wisdom of Solomon will be required to develop guidelines for lithium in drinking water that are maximally protective of the entire population," wrote Dr. David C. Bellinger, a professor of neurology and psychology at Harvard Medical School.
A new study has found a slightly higher risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children born to pregnant people exposed to tap water with higher levels of lithium. The association was found in Denmark, where the researchers say the level of lithium in drinking water is similar to that in American water systems.
The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, analyzed data from 8,842 cases of ASD and 43,864 participants who did not have ASD. It found that as lithium levels in water increased, so did the risk of an ASD diagnosis. The group 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 show a direct link between lithium exposure and autism diagnosis. "Any drinking water contaminants that may affect the developing human brain deserve intense scrutiny," said Dr. Beate Ritz, co-author of the study.
The implications of the findings are complex, as lithium levels in water have also been linked to health benefits such as lower rates of hospitalization for psychiatric disorders and suicide. However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between lithium exposure and ASD.
Other studies have suggested connections between ASD and environmental exposures to things like pesticides, air pollution, and phthalates. But none of them points to any of these factors as a direct cause of the disorder.
The risk of autism diagnosis in children is significant, with about 1 in 36 children diagnosed each year in the US. Scientists still do not know the exact cause of ASD, but genetics may be a factor, and some have been looking at potential environmental causes.
The study's findings highlight the need for further research into the effects of lithium exposure on fetal brain development. "We have to figure out how to basically safely navigate these environmental stressors," said Dr. Max Wiznitzer, director of the Rainbow Autism Center at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland.
In the meantime, policymakers will need to weigh the potential benefits of regulating lithium levels in drinking water against the uncertainty of its impact on ASD diagnosis. "The wisdom of Solomon will be required to develop guidelines for lithium in drinking water that are maximally protective of the entire population," wrote Dr. David C. Bellinger, a professor of neurology and psychology at Harvard Medical School.
. I mean, we know that high lithium levels in water might be linked to an increased risk of autism diagnoses, but it's still not a direct connection 
. We need more research and data to figure out what's going on here 
. And let's be real, the benefits of regulating lithium levels can't just be ignored either - we've seen those in studies too 
. It's like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces... we gotta keep searching until we find the right fit 
.
. I need more research on this ASAP. What if it's not just the lithium, though? Like, what about pesticides and air pollution and all that other stuff that's supposed to be bad for us too? 
We can't trust anything anymore, right? 
My friend has a kid with autism, and I'm like, "Was it the water?" I know it sounds crazy, but this study is freaking me out in the best way possible 
.
So yeah, I'm all for more investigation, but let's not jump to conclusions just yet either...
. And don't even get me started on how they're still trying to figure out the link between environmental stressors and ASD - it's like they're just throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks 
.
it makes sense though now that you think about it, lots of other environmental factors are also linked to autism and we still don't know what causes it... anyway, the gov needs to get on this ASAP 
like seriously regulate our drinking water already!
I'm not saying we should go overboard or anything, but a little extra monitoring wouldn't hurt, right? 
.
so like in denmark where they did this study, lithium levels in water are actually pretty high 
and now we know that's linked to autism diagnosis risk 
imagine being a policymaker trying to figure out how to regulate lithium levels in drinking water without messing with people's lives too much 
and we need more info before we can start making decisions 
so we gotta keep working on understanding what causes it 
here's to more research and finding that sweet spot 
where lithium levels are safe but still useful 