Study claims evidence of a link between pesticide use and autism

USGS

Autism has a strong genetic component and, even in cases that aren't inherited, newly formed mutations appear to be common. But genetics isn't everything, raising questions about exactly what the environmental influences are. A variety of factors have been suggested, ranging from immune disorders to environmental toxins.

One of the factors that has been suggested is pesticide use. These chemicals, which typically target the nervous system of insects, can also be toxic to humans. Exposure has been associated with some disorders of the nervous system, most notably Parkinson's disease. Now, a study is out suggesting that autism is also associated with pesticide exposure. But the study has some pretty significant limitations, so it shouldn't be viewed as anything more than a reason to work on a more thorough study.

The study relies on a group of infants termed the Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and Environment (CHARGE) study population. These children are recruited when they register with the state social services; matched controls are recruited at the same time.