Reducing the chemical load
As we know, the cause of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is multifactorial, but a recent study(1) has presented a hypothesis suggesting that exposure to toxins may affect individuals with genetic susceptibility.
The study examined two compounds: Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Diethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP), both commonly used in the production of plastics, the manufacture of PVC, and in the resins that line many food and drinks containers. Whilst the primary route of exposure is through diet, inhalation and personal care products also play a part.
Some studies(2) have shown evidence of a link between plasticiser exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders, with several mechanisms have been proposed, such as plasticisers acting as endocrine disruptors(3,4). This recent study has hypothesised that the connection is due to a genetic inability to detoxify plasticisers like BPA through the metabolic and excretion pathways that make the substances water soluble so they can be eliminated through urination.
The study has theorised that detoxification of these compounds is impaired in children with ASD and ADHD. They assessed this by examining the detox pathways in three groups of children: 66 with ASD, 46 with ADHD, 37 healthy controlsresults showing that detox efficiency for BPA was reduced by 11% in children with ASD and 17% in children with ADHD compared to controls. DEHP followed similar trends, though the differences were not statistically significant. The study concluded that both ASD and ADHD share a reduced capacity for detoxifying BPA and DEHP, with the reduction in BPA detoxification being statistically significant.
Changes you can make to reduce your family’s exposure to toxins
1. Simple living
a. Eat unprocessed food
b. Avoid canned foods and artificial food additives
c. Walk or cycle to work
d. Buy second hand
e. Lend and borrow
f. Limit use of medications where possible
g. Fill your house with fresh air and furniture made from natural materials
h. Come back to nature at every opportunity
2. Buy organic
a. Significantly reduces chemical exposure – GMOs, pesticides and fertilisers
b. Follow the EWG’s dirty 12 and clean 15 www.ewg.org
c. Avoid chemical exposure in seafood, eat low-mercury fish – know where your fish has come from
3. Reduce your use of personal care products, make up and perfume
a. Simplify your beauty regime
b. Avoid face and body scrubs using microbeads, foaming agents like sodium-laurel-sulfate and preservatives such as parabens
c. Go natural with all body-care products
d. Avoid nail polishes and removers, aerosols, conventional hair dyes whilst pregnant or breast feeding
e. Be careful what you put on baby’s skin. Choose brands such as www.moogoo.com.au
4. Minimise the number of household cleaners you use
a. Find a natural alternative for your cleaning products e.g. www.zeroco.com
b. Avoid use of insecticides/pesticides in home or garden, kill bugs naturally or just allow yourself to become one with nature
5. Ditch perfumes and artificial fragrances
a. Air fresheners, fabric softeners, scented candles and soaps, cheap incense all contain synthetic fragrances (phthalates) which are hormone disruptors
b. Opt for fresh flowers, essential oils (make sure they are pure)
c. Limit perfume use and if you must use, spray on clothes not skin
6. Move away from plastic
a. Don’t store food or drinks in plastic – containers, bags, water bottles, coffee cup lids
b. Store in glass or steel
c. Don’t microwave ANYTHING in plastic
d. Use paper towel rather than clingwrap or better still, beeswax wraps
e. Ensure you are looking for BPA-free bottles for babies, children and yourself
7. Avoid toxic cookware
a. Non-stick cookware is toxic! Avoid Teflon
b. Opt for cast iron, steel, ceramic and oven-safe glass
8. Drink filtered water
a. Filters can reduce levels of many pollutants
b. Reverse osmosis is highly effective, but high-quality charcoal filters are also great in free-standing filters if you can’t have a RO filter fitted
Little decisions can have a big impact on you and your family’s cumulative chemical exposure. Don’t feel overwhelmed by this very large, often daunting topic. Just keep moving forward, one small change at a time.
Reference:
1. Stein TP, et al. PLoS ONE. 2023;18(9): e0289841.
2. Minatoya M, Kishi R. Int J Environ Res & Pub Health. 2021;18(7):30.
3. Flaws J DP, et al. A guide for public interest and policy-makers on endocrine disrupting chemicals and plastics. Endocrine Society. 2020. Available at: https://www.endocrine.org/-/media/endocrine/files/topics/edc_guide_2020_v1_6bhqen.pdf. Accessed on: 17/10/24
4. MacKay H, Abizaid A. Hormones & Behavior. 2018;101:59–67. pmid:29104009