Autistism Linked to Pet Flea Shampoos?
Posted May 25, 2008 at 11:00 AM by Kathleen Blanchard
Section: Her Health, Her News
Pet shampoos containing pyrethrin may contribute to autism, according to a presentation by Irva Hertz-Picciotto, PhD, from the University of California, Davis, at the 7th Annual International Meeting for Autism Research. Backing the findings was data collected from the Childhood Autism Risks and the Environment (CHARGE) study that evaluated 531 children, age 2 -5 who lived in California – 333 had a confirmed diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder; the remaining children had normal development. The authors found that the interviewed mothers of autistic children were twice as likely to report the use of products containing pyrethrin around the time of pregnancy - three months prior and up to one year after conception and delivery.
No one cause for autism has ever been identified. Dr. Hertz-Picciotto says “generally speaking, probably most cases of autism arise from multiple genetic as well as multiple environmental factors.” She believes that the findings warrant further investigation and the studies should be expanded to other populations. Eric M. Roberts, MD, from the California Department of Public Health, in Richmond, and colleagues published a study that may further support the current findings that pesticides contribute to austism. Women who lived close to fields in California’s Central Valley, where organochlorine pesticides are used, also showed an increased risk of giving birth to autistic children.
During the Autism Research meeting Brenda Eskenazi, PhD, from the University of California, Berkeley presented similar findings about the use organophosphates. A review of the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS) birth cohort study found that the presence of organophosphates in mother’s urine increased the odds of developmental disorders in children.
Pyrethrin containing products have been around since organophosphates were replaced twenty years ago, but manufacturers of the product say it has been used for close to 100 years. Pyrethrins are natural extracts made from flowers of chrysanthemum plants, and they are sold as “natural”, though cases of tremors, vomiting seizures and death have been reported in animals. Products that typically contain the ingredient include cockroach, fly and ant control sprays, and pet shampoos. Pyrethrins attack the central nervous system of insect, and are one of the most widely used insecticides on the market. Longer lasting synthetic forms of pyrethin are also used for pet collars, dips, sprays, shampoos, and for hot spot treatment, called permethrins. Studies done on rats show that pyrethin compromises the brain development of the fetus.
The conclusions from investigators raise concerns about pyrethin and fetal neurological development, though supposedly, pyrethrins have been tested for safety. No strong statements were forthcoming from the group. Nevertheless, it seems we could all view these studies as a wake up call.
Perhaps it’s past time to get serious about detoxifying our lives. Read household labels and support green consumer products. Do your best to remain educated about the impact of your daily activities on your own health, your loved ones and the planet. We continue to see hardcore evidence proving that toxin free environments reduce the incidence of disease, including many types of cancers. The presentation regarding the role of pyrethrins and autism is an eye opener. Should we just wait for more studies?
If you want to get serious about healthier living, visit Heal Your Home: the Case for Precaution from Co-op America. It’s a great place to begin.
Sources: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/574799 - 7th Annual International Meeting for Autism Research: Oral Presentation 113.4; Invited Educational Symposium 140.5. May 15-17, 2008.