Autism near coal plants
A new study shows early indications that proximity to mercury release from a coal power plant is a predictor of autism prevalence.
It looks like closer to coal = more autism.
A newly published study of Texas school district data and industrial mercury-release data, conducted by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, indeed shows a statistically significant link between pounds of industrial release of mercury and increased autism rates. It also shows—for the first time in scientific literature—a statistically significant association between autism risk and distance from the mercury source.
This is not a definitive study but adds to other research on the effects of mercury, particularly on children.
The new study findings are consistent with a host of other studies that confirm higher amounts of mercury in plants, animals and humans the closer they are to the pollution source. The price on children may be the highest.
Read on:
- Quotations from: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. “Autism Risk Linked To Distance From Power Plants, Other Mercury-releasing Sources.” ScienceDaily 25 April 2008. 12 May 2008.
- Original article: Palmer, R.F., et al., Proximity to point sources of environmental mercury release as a predictor of autism prevalence. Health & Place (2008).