Autism’s rise blamed on chemicals

Though a direct link is yet to be made, researchers are increasingly looking at exposure to chemicals as a factor in disabling behavioral and cognitive conditions like autism.

Many experts in the field believe exposure to chemicals used decades ago to treat morning sickness, bipolar disorder and ulcers in addition to about 80,000 chemicals currently available for industrial use—combined with genetic susceptibility—is to blame for the increasing number of autism cases, according to The Huffington Post. A 2004 study conducted by Environmental Working Group found an average of 200 industrial chemicals in the umbilical cords of 10 babies born in U.S. hospitals.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in April one in 88 American children—and one in 54 boys—has autism. Treating and managing autism currently costs the country $35 billion a year.