Rise in Autism Blamed on Phone Batteries

Dr Richard Lathe, a specialist in childhood Autism, and former professor at Edinburgh University is claiming in a forthcoming paper that incorrect disposal of rechargeable batteries is one of the factors in an increase in autism in the UK. Autistic children have been shown to have problems getting rid of toxic metals - and those metals are increasingly polluting the environment, says Dr Richard Lathe.

"Think of iPod batteries, computers, television sets and mobile phones - thousands of them tossed aside without any thought to their proper disposal, " says the molecular biologist in a recent interview. "If they are buried in landfill, the mercury in the batteries leaks out when it rains, and if they are burned it goes straight up into the atmosphere."

Dr Lathe says the good news is brain damage caused by metal can be repaired. "Chelation therapy, which removes the metals, can significantly improve behaviour in autistic children." However the treatment has become controversial after the death of a patient in the USA, although Dr Lathe maintains that incorrect medical procedures were used.

Dr Lathe is the author of a recent book, Autism, Brain, and Environment. While nothing in his book contradicts research implicating genetic vulnerability as an underlying cause of ASDs, Lathe instead uses evidence showing autism is more prevalent in urban than rural areas to bolster his contention that pollution is a likely culprit as well. Lathe is also the founder of Pieta Research, a biotechnology consultancy, where his interests involve brain research and neuroscience, the limbic system, autism and Alzheimer's disease. He is also the author of over a hundred peer reviewed journal articles."

Posted to the site on 19th July 2006