Pregnant women whose household tap water had higher levels of lithium had a moderately higher risk of their offspring being diagnosed with autism spectrum
For the first time, researchers report a possible link between autism and lithium in the water supply. A study led by a UCLA Health researcher found that pregnant women exposed to higher levels of lithium in their tap water had a moderately increased risk of their offspring being diagnosed with a
Pregnant women whose household tap water had higher levels of lithium had a moderately higher risk of their offspring being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, according to a new study led by a UCLA Health researcher.
The new study in JAMA Pediatrics is believed to be the first to identify naturally occurring lithium in drinking water as a possible environmental risk factor for autism.
Women who drink tap water containing higher levels of lithium are at higher risk of their children being diagnosed with autism later in life. Researchers found as lithium concentrations increased in drinking water, so too did the risk of ASD diagnosis.