Autism Predispositions Triggered by PCB Exposure

Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) – a once-widely-used organic pollutant that is now banned in the United States – may lead to the triggering of autism in children who are genetically predisposed to develop the condition.

Investigators from the University of California in Davis (UCD), led by professor Dr. Pamela Lein, say that the chemicals are not responsible for causing autism directly, but make it easier for genetic predispositions passed on from parents to manifest themselves.

“We don’t think PCB exposure causes autism, but it may increase the likelihood of autism in children whose genetic makeup already compromises the processes by which neurons form connections,” says Lein, quoted by PsychCentral.

The investigation was detailed in two scientific papers, both published in a recent issue of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.