Feature Article

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder

by Dr. Angelina Duggan and Jordana Schmier

Background

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a descriptive term for a complex array of neurological diseases that includes infantile autism as first identified by Kanner in 1943 (Kanner 1943), atypical autism, and Asperger’s Syndrome (Asperger 1944). Autism is currently considered incurable, but research into causes and possible cures is ongoing. The increased diagnosis of ASD (Jick and Kaye 2003) and the lack of definitive information about what causes ASD has become an emotional societal issue, especially for parents searching for answers as to why their children are autistic. Explanations about the increased incidence, prevalence, and risk factors (associations and causes) of ASD remain either doubtful, unproven hypotheses, contentious, or still under investigation. There is intense debate about whether the recent apparent increased prevalence of ASD is a true increase or whether there are sources of bias influencing the diagnosis or inconsistencies in the temporal methodology/data.

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Technical Highlight

The Environmental Context

by Dr. Paul Boehm, Dr. Brian Murphy, and Dr. Walter Shields

Many environmental and toxic tort cases can ultimately turn on an understanding of, and the careful presentation of, the environmental context of an alleged discharge, spill, fugitive emission, or other pollution event. By context we refer to the environmental background condition as it existed before a pollution event or series of events, or more importantly, the condition (e.g., exposure, dose, concentration) that would have existed, if not for the event. What were the normal—inclusive of natural and background anthropogenic sources— concentrations of dioxins that homeowners adjacent to a wood treatment plant would have been exposed to if the plant had not existed? What were the concentrations of PAHs to which marine animals would have been exposed if not for the oil spill? What are the background levels of arsenic in a river system into which mine discharges have occurred? These are all questions that require knowledge of the background, sometimes called the baseline.

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News

GHS is Coming! Implications for Chemical Producers and Manufacturers

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) is a United Nations program, with a target date for all countries (including the United States, and member states of the European Union) to implement by 2008. GHS addresses classification of chemicals and harmonized hazard communication, including:

  • Labels and safety data sheets
  • Information on physical hazards and toxicity from chemicals
  • Data are made available in order to enhance the protection of human health and the environment during the handling, transport, and use of these chemicals.

GHS provides a basis for harmonization of rules and regulations on chemicals at the national, regional, and worldwide level, which is regarded as an important factor for trade facilitation. It is therefore likely that whether addressing United States, EU, or other worldwide markets, GHS will affect your organization.

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WHO Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health

The World Health Organization developed, under a May 2002 mandate from Member States, a Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health, which was endorsed by the May 2004 World Health Assembly (WHA). The report examines the relationship between diet and physical activity patterns and the major nutritionrelated chronic diseases. Recommendations were made to help prevent death and disability from major nutrition-related chronic diseases: obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, several forms of cancer, osteoporosis, and dental disease.

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