With over 700 untested new chemicals introduced each year, and over 80,000 chemicals in household products, it’s no wonder our children’s brains are being negatively affected.

10 of these 80,000 toxic chemicals have recently been identified as potential causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as other learning disabilities.

Rodale describes the discovery:

In fact, in trying to figure out the sources of autism, researchers are proving that environmental factors—everything from farm chemicals to soda and shampoo ingredients—could be permanently messing with children’s brain development. Today, in an unprecedented move, some of the world’s leading experts published a new list of highly suspect chemicals and heavy metals believed to be behind the surge in cases of autism and other neurodevelopmental diseases.

In March, reports on the increase of Autism garnered much attention. The Los Angeles Times reported that, “Federal health authorities have significantly raised their estimate of the prevalence of autism in children, concluding in a new study of 8-year-olds that 1 in 88 has some form of the disorder.”  In some states, such as Utah, there numbers were even more staggering.  Something is clearly amiss.

Here are the ten chemicals identified as “Suspect Causes of Autism & Learning Disabilities”:

1. Lead

2. Mercury

3. PCBs

4. Organochlorine Pesticides

5. Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals

6. Automotive Exhaust

7. Brominated Flame Retardants

8. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

9. Organophosphate Pesticides

10. Nonstick Chemicals

It is important we do what we can to personally limit our exposure to these ten chemicals, as well as work towards their immediate removal from consumer products. We can’t do anything about the past, but we can look towards the future.

I highly recommend you view and read the entire Rodale slideshow.  You’d be surprised where some of these chemicals exist.  From burnt meat to soda, our toxic world is harming our brains.