Born Smart

Scientists caution not to jump to conclusions but when it comes to Autism where there is a desperate need to find answers, it’s difficult not to try and connect the dots.

Researchers in Sweden made an accidental discovery finding that children who live in homes with vinyl floors are more likely to have autism. Vinyl floors can emit chemicals named phthalates, and what makes this so interesting is that phthalates are known to interfere with the production of testosterone. Phthalates are commonly used in a wide range of products like plastics, many others even food and most people including infants are exposed to phthalates through lotions and shampoos etc.<

An eight year study previously published also linked high levels of testosterone in the womb to autism, completing the circle of dots;

autism – vinyl floors – phthalates – testosterone – autism

The study associated four environmental factors with autism.
vinyl flooring,
maternal smoking
family economic problems
condensation on windows

The latter two factors have underlying issues such as studies finding that families with lower income are also more inclined to eat fast food, indicating nutritional issues and possibly food additives containing hormone disrupters.

The condensation on windows indicate poor ventilation in the house and most likely higher quantities of volatile gasses from flooring and other household chemicals, second/third hand smoke etc. are breathed in.

Most people see the environment as a weather problem, but as devastating a problem as rising sea levels and changing weather patterns are, what is being grossly overlooked is the anguish of health and mental problems our polluted environment is causing our children.

http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=link-between-autism-and-vinyl”