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Pesticides Cause Autism In Unborn Babies

The cases of autism in newborn babies are on the rise these days. If statistics are to be believed, then every 1 in 68 babies suffers from autism, which is a developmental disorder of the brain. There are no known causes of autism in babies and it is an incurable disorder so far. However, scientific research suggests that exposure to pesticides during pregnancy can be one of risk factors for autism in babies.

WAYS TO BRING OUT THE BEST IN AUTISTIC CHILDREN

MIND Institute at University of California has come up with a study that suggests pregnant women who lived close to farms where the pesticide exposure is high were at higher risk of having babies with autism. As the exact causes of autism in babies is not known, it is only fair to assume that pesticides have a direct bearing on this disease.

While it is impossible to be certain of what causes autism in babies, toxic exposure during pregnancy is definitely under the scanner. Here are some points of this study that all pregnant women should be mindful of.

Pesticides Attack Neurons

Pesticides Attack Neurons

According to Irva Hertz-Picciotto, an environmental epidemiologist, "These compounds (present in pesticides) work on neurons. When they work on the insect, they're dealing with the nervous system of the insect and basically incapacitating it." That is why; autism affects kids.

Blood Brain Barrier

Blood Brain Barrier

In adults, there are several filters that keep the chemicals in the pesticide from entering the brain. But when babies are very young or in the womb, these barriers are not formed. That is why; pesticides affect unborn babies.

Last Trimester

Last Trimester

The risk of autism in babies increases if the mother is exposed to pesticides in the last trimester of her pregnancy.

Range Of Pesticides

Range Of Pesticides

In the study, the closer the expectant mothers stayed to the farms or source of pesticides, higher the risk of autism in babies.

Pesticide Like Elements Are Used At Home As Well

Pesticide Like Elements Are Used At Home As Well

Sometimes, the insecticides used at home also contain these elements. And the worst part is that they are labelled as ‘All Natural' because the elements are taken from the extracts of chrysanthemum flowers.

Story first published: Tuesday, June 24, 2014, 17:26 [IST]
Read more about: prenatal pregnancy