A new study finds that 2- to 5-year-old children diagnosed with autism and autism-spectrum disorders had blood-mercury levels similar to those of typically developing children.
The study, published Oct. 19 in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives shows mercury levels were mostly affected by the amount of fish children consumed. Those with autism and autism-spectrum disorders were less likely to consume fish, the study says. When adjusted for fish eating, the levels were about the same for both groups of children, it says.
The analysis was conducted through Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and the Environment, an ongoing study to identify and understand factors contributing to childhood autism, autism-spectrum disorders, and developmental delays.
