Moms Talk: Are There Environmental Links to Childhood Disorders like Autism?

We are surrounded by chemicals on daily basis, from those found in household cleaners and children's toys to exhaust fumes released from idling cars.

According to Dr. Maida P. Galvez, director of Mount Sinai’s Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU), there are more than 80,000 chemicals in production. For the most part, children are exposed to these chemicals in their homes and in public areas such as playgrounds and daycares. 

“There’s increasing evidence of environmental contribution to asthma, obesity, cancer, neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD, and endocrine and reproductive development disorders,” Galvez said when she spoke this month at a local League of Women Voters event.

Recent studies have examined the dangers of everything from astroturf to chemicals in breast milk. Some researchers have argued that there is increasing evidence that many chemicals and environmental factors play a role in the prevalence of disorders such as autism, which affects as many as 1 in 100 children according to the federal government.

Here's this week's discussion topic:

How much of a role do you think the environment plays in the rate of childhood diseases in our country? How can parents reduce their children's exposure to everyday chemicals and toxins? 

Please take a moment to weigh in on this debate in the comments section.