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Science Library Abstract
Published: 2010
SYNOPSIS

Scientists review literature and raise concerns about denial of environmental toxin link to autism.

TITLE

Sorting out the spinning of autism: heavy metals and the question of incidence

CITATION

DeSoto MC, Hitlan RT. ACTA Neurobiological Experimentals. 2010;70:165–176.

SUMMARY

“In this paper, we argue that increasingly over the past decade, positions that deny a link to environmental toxins and autism are based on relatively weak science and are disregarding the bulk of scientific literature. The question about toxic exposure and autism is open, with the weight of evidence favoring a connection that is not well understood. Although it is not possible to say with certainty, it seems likely that the connection would be mediated by genetic susceptibility and ability to detoxify. That is, some people have genotypes that confer higher susceptibility to toxic exposures. If so, then 50 years ago few people would have had enough toxic exposure to have the neurological changes that result in autism.”

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