By IANS,
Washington : There is a significant link between mercury emissions and increased incidence of autism, according to latest research.
Researchers Raymond F. Palmer of the University of Texas, Stephen Blanchard of Our Lady of the Lake University and Robert Wood found that community autism prevalence is reduced by one to two percent with every 10 miles of distance from the pollution source.
“This is not a definitive study, but just one more that furthers the association between environmental mercury and autism,” said Palmer.
“Ultimately, we will want to know who in the general population is at greatest risk based on genetic susceptibilities such as subtle deficits in the ability to detoxify heavy metals,” he added.
Mercury-release data examined was from 39 coal-fired power plants and 56 industrial facilities in Texas. Autism rates examined were from 1,040 Texas school districts, reported Sciencedaily.
The article has been published in Health and Place.