Autism by psychotropic drugs in drinking water

Drug residues in drinking water can trigger autism

06/08/2012

Residues of psychotropic drugs in drinking water can cause autism. In any case, researchers from the Idaho State University School found out from an experiment with animals. The scientists are now asking to what extent the results are transferable to humans. In addition, there are currently no precise details of the concentrations of drug residues in drinking water.

In the experimental set-up, the researchers contaminated the water in an aquarium with minimal additions of medication residues. For this they used remedies for depression and epilepsy. For the study, fat-headed minnows were used because their genes are similar to autism of pre-stressed humans. They then discovered that the autism genes in the brain were altered by drug delivery. For the scientists, the question now arises as to whether the results can be transferred to humans. Some further studies indicate that drug residues are actually found in drinking water. „Preloaded people could thus be exposed to a higher risk of autism“, as the scientists summarized.

However, the proportion of drug residues is much lower than the concentrations used during the study. The research findings therefore point to a potential risk that further studies must be undertaken. Experts point out in this context to properly dispose of old medicines. These could be dispensed, for example, at the pharmacy. (Sb)