Drug Contaminants, Chemicals in Tap Water Among Possible Causes of AutismMike Barrett While there are a number of possible causes of autism, some research has shown that anti-depressants and other chemicals found in the water supply could be helping to surge autism rates, specifically idiopathic autism spectrum disorders. After exposing fish to two different anti-depressant drugs, Prozac and venlafaxine, and a seizure-controlling drug called carbamazepine, experts from the University of Idaho were astonished after observing changes in the genetic pathways of the fish. They found that just traces of common medications and other chemicals in the water were enough to bring about autism. Whats more, the drug concentrations were comparable with the highest estimated environmental levels. While others have envisioned a causal role for psychotropic drugs in idiopathic autism, we were astonished to find evidence that this might occur at very low dosages, such as those found in aquatic systems, said lead scientist Dr Michael Thomas. This research lends even more concern for pregnant mothers who drink water with trace concentrations, who run the risk of passing along these drugs and other chemicals in the water to their unborn children. In addition to research pinpointing anti-depressants and other chemicals in the water as possible causes of autism, there are a number of other likely and possible causes. Among the most controversial and the most researched causes of autism are vaccines. As children receive more and more vaccines at extremely young ages, mercury and other heavy metals are also being injected into their underdeveloped bodies. The mercury and other heavy metals cause extreme amounts of toxicity, shown to contribute to neurological disorders and the development of autism. In one survey involving 7,600 people, only four children reported having severe autism the mothers tested very high in mercury in all four cases. In other research, scientists found that overweight pregnant women have a startling 67% increased chance of having an autistic child than mothers who are a healthy weight. Additional Sources: Explore More: This article first appeared at Natural Society, an excellent resource for health news and vaccine information. 