Babies of pregnant women who drink tap water with high levels of lithium are at higher risk of developing autism, a new study has found.
High levels of lithium in water would increase autism by 46%, The Telegraph reported on Tuesday.
This naturally occurring metal, which is found in the ground and which naturally infiltrates water sources, is one of the basic components of batteries and cell phones, in particular.
“Sources of lithium in water could become more prevalent because of the way we dispose of lithium batteries in landfills, which have the potential to contaminate groundwater,” said Professor Beate Ritz of the University. from California.
But lithium doesn’t just have adverse health effects: the metal is known for its medicinal properties, including being prescribed to help with certain mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder and depression.
Other studies have shown that its presence in tap water is linked to a lower risk of suicide, in addition to having a positive impact on mental health.
While the amount of lithium in water varies greatly from country to country, ranging from 0.6 to 30.7 micrograms per liter of water, pregnant women who are in an area where the water exceeds the 16.8 micrograms would be 46% more at risk that their baby develops a form of autism.
In the past, several factors have been linked to the development of autism, including air pollution, pesticides and certain chemicals, the English media reported.