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Aug 15, 2024 08:40 PM IST
Exposure to hard plastic components, primarily BPA, may cause autism in boys. See the study results here.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect a person’s communication, speech, learning and behaviour patterns. Also known as autistic spectrum disorder or ASC, autism is a developmental disorder that is usually diagnosed after symptoms appear at the age of two. A recent study says that the use of plastic can increase the risk of developing autism.
Also Read: Autism in adults: Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder increase with age
exposure to hard plastics
The study, led by Alyssa Hill-Yardin, RMIT University, showed that exposure to components of hard plastics, primarily bisphenol A, or BPA, in the womb may cause boys to develop autism. BPA is an ingredient found in hard plastics. It is also found in many foods and drinks – this greatly increases the exposure to BPA in our daily lives. It has been studied that BPA can mimic the effects of estrogen in our bodies. Many countries have banned the use of BPA – in Australia, the use of BPA in baby bottles is being phased out.
Also read: How to adopt therapy to control anger in children suffering from autism? Expert suggests effective solutions
Autistic people face difficulties in communicating, learning, speaking and behaving socially. People with autism face a wide range of difficulties – it varies from person to person. The influence of genetics on autism is very strong. It has been observed that the complex interaction of several genes is responsible for the development of autism. However, this is difficult to detect even in large-scale studies. Sometimes, environmental factors and certain antiseizure medications are also responsible for the risk of developing autism.
Also Read: Causes of Autism in Children: 5 Facts to Understand
It affects boys more than girls
The research was conducted on 1,074 Australian children. 847 samples of urine were collected from mothers in the late stages of pregnancy, to measure the amount of BPA. The study found a link between high maternal BPA levels and a higher risk of autism. However, the study further showed that the number of girls affected with autism was less – it was concluded that the number of boys was higher.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor for any questions about any medical condition.
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