Contaminants in Drinking Water Linked to Autism and Health Risks

A study of 52,706 children in Denmark has found a link between higher levels of lithium in drinking water and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While the study does not prove that lithium causes autism, it is the first time such a link has been identified. Lithium is a naturally occurring element and a medication used to treat mood disorders. The metal typically enters drinking water through the weathering of minerals underground. The study's authors have called for further research to be conducted to investigate the relationship between lithium and autism.