A Cradle to Cradle® Perspective on Autism and Environmental Toxins
A core principle of cradle to cradle is the idea that technical nutrients don't belong in biological systems and some toxins just shouldn't be in our world at all. So we look with interest and concern at the growing number of articles talking about environmental toxins and the rise in autism cases.
A core principle of cradle to cradle is the idea that technical nutrients don't belong in biological systems and some toxins just shouldn't be in our world at all. So we look with interest and concern at the growing number of articles talking about environmental toxins and the rise in autism cases.
In May of this year, the L.A. Times reported on a study suggesting that prevalence of the spectrum of autism disorders may be as high as 1 of 38 children in South Korean, far higher than 1 in 110 children reported by the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC). CDC has also reported a 17% increase in diagnosis of the disorder since the 1990s (see Huffington Post). Other reports suggest that cases are increasing 10 to 17% each year.
Majority opinion points to new and improved diagnostic methods as reason for the climb. And while genetic components remain the chief suspect, autism and environmental health experts are calling for greater scrutiny of chemical found in the environment. We humans are exposed to a seemingly infinite number of untested, unregulated chemicals and chemical combinations. The National Children's Study is currently underway to examine the effects of the environment, including such factors such as "air, water, diet, sound, family dynamics, community and cultural influences, and genetics " on the growth, development, and health of children across the United States.
Dr. Philip Landrigan Mount Sinai Medical Center and a leader of the study recently presented to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) and told examiner.com that "As research continues to accelerate as the National Children’s Study rolls out, we probably will over the next decade establish additional credible connections between certain chemical exposures in early life and the development of autism in children."
Cradle to Cradle certificationCM works with companies to remove from products any substance that is harmful to people or the earth. The certification system, properly implemented at scale, could have significant impact on the amount of unsafe materials that could be the cause of so many illnesses, including autism. Based on many of the studies cited in these articles we know that environmental toxins are having an impact, the only disagreement is how big an impact. Let's start with an idea: to make things out of materials that are safe — safe for our children and their children, and let's start today. Cradle to Cradle certification™ is program that starts today on that path for the future.