¶ … Toxins Cause Autism?
The Jury is Still Out
Nicholas Kristoff's writes about the issue of environmental toxins and autism, and the link between exposure to these toxins and the rise in autism spectrum disorders. Autism comprises a clinically heterogeneous group of disorders -- collectively referred to as "autism spectrum disorders" (ASD) -- that share common features of impaired social relationships, impaired language and communication, and repetitive behaviors or a narrow range of interests. Autism has a current prevalence of 1% in children.
Kristoff explores the relationship between toxins and autism by referring to expert opinion; that is, public health officials who have found epidemiological links between exposure to such harmful substances as mercury, lead, and thalidomide and neurodevelopmental disorders. Kristoff cites studies in which researchers "have found that disproportionate shares of children develop autism after they are exposed in the womb to medications such as thalidomide (a sedative), misoprostol (ulcer medicine) and valproic acid (anticonvulsant)."
Kristoff calls for more research, increased regulation and consumer protection. Noting that the EPA only regulates 200 of the 80,000 chemicals registered in the U.S. And that the use of dangerous plastic containers is widespread, Kristoff cites the need for more press to be given to environmental toxins and health outcomes for such diseases as cancer and autism. While lamenting the decreased vaccinations as a result of national attention directed toward the now discredited link between vaccines and autism, Kristoff declares the precautionary principle applicable in the case of toxins and autism. Paying heed to this issue would serve Americans well.
Kristoff convincingly argues for his viewpoint that toxins and autism may be linked in ways that deserve more attention from the press, from public health officials and scientists, and from the government, including the White House. His rhetorical strategies are evident in the way in which he shifts from expert pronouncements to political message to editorializing. His readers, presumably other experts as environmental health officials, politicians, and the general public, would probably listen to his warnings and quite possibly take...
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