The Centers for Disease Control reports that ADHD diagnoses have increased an average of 3 percent a year since 1997. It is now estimated to be among the costliest of behavioral disorders, and recent research indicates that exposure to lead may be somewhat to blame.

The Association for Psychological Science (APS) reported the following:

Emerging research ... suggests an environmental link for ADHD with some experts believing lead may be a culprit. Lead is a neurotoxin. ... It's found in trace amounts in everything from childrens costume jewelry to imported candies to soil and drinking water. ...

According to psychological scientist Joel Nigg of the Oregon Health & Science University, this universal low-level exposure makes lead an ideal candidate for the disorder's trigger.

Until recently, this was just a theory, but studies have begun to find evidentiary support, the APS reported:

• One study found that children with ADHD did have slightly higher levels of lead in their blood.
  
• The second study found a strong link between elevated blood levels of lead and reporting of ADHD symptoms by parents and teachers.

Labels: causes, lead, environment

Posted By: Aspen/CRC 0 Comments

On June 4, the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed legislation that would enact a “lead free” standard for faucets and other plumbing fixtures. The move is an attempt to protect kids and their families from exposure to harmful levels of lead.

“Children under the age of six will absorb and retain about 50% of the lead they ingest. Exposure has been linked to a rage of behavior in children from ADHD to violence later in life.

Get the Lead Out would reduce the allowable lead content from 8% to 0.25% - generally agreed to be a statistically insignificant amount of exposure.” [Source: Targeted News Services]

Similar legislation was adopted in California in 2006, and required manufacturers to phase out fixtures and materials that would increase lead exposure through drinking water. Many have complied ahead of required deadlines.

 

Labels: lead

Posted By: 4ADHD.com 1 Comment