Link Between Autism and Toxic Landfills
Author Information
Author(s): Ming Xue, Brimacombe Michael, Malek Joanne H., Jani Nisha, Wagner George C.
Primary Institution: UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School
Hypothesis
ASD are associated with early and repeated exposures to any of a number of toxicants or mixtures of toxicants.
Conclusion
There is a significant correlation between the number of toxic Superfund sites and the rate of autism across 49 U.S. states.
Supporting Evidence
- The study found a considerable overlap of identified toxic landfills and the residences of ASD patients in New Jersey.
- A correlation was observed between the number of Superfund sites and autism rates across 49 states.
- The area with the highest density of toxic landfill sites had the highest number of ASD cases.
Takeaway
This study suggests that living near toxic landfills might be linked to higher rates of autism in children.
Methodology
The study plotted the residences of 495 ASD patients against toxic landfill sites in New Jersey and analyzed correlations with Superfund sites across states.
Potential Biases
Referral bias due to the location of the autism center.
Limitations
The NJ data was not population-based and may have been subject to referral bias; family mobility could confound exposure identification.
Participant Demographics
495 ASD patients, 372 males and 123 females, aged 4 to 25 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.015
Statistical Significance
p = 0.015
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