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The ubiquitous use of this chemical in so many Abnormal thyroid function affects the development of products has resulted in people having it circulating in speech and cognitive skills, both of which are disrupted their blood, whether they use sunscreens or not. in the autism spectrum. One study stated: "...it is Another means of gaining access to the body is through _ possible that impaired thyroid function is a cause of the lungs. Breathing in these chemicals is harmful, and some of the symptoms of autism, especially language their liberal use has led to their being found in impairment and mental retardation."” household dust.* As for the brands that are sold as Whites have a higher percentage of sunscreen aerosols, do not use these on children or yourself as they — chemicals in their blood, and a study found that there is create vapours that are inhaled and find their way into a higher incidence of autism in the White race compared the body through the lungs. to that in Blacks, Hispanics and Asians.” Since these chemicals are found in the blood, they are The rise in the incidence of autism parallels the rise in also occurring in human breast-milk. Indeed, one study — sunscreen use. Sunscreens came onto the market in the showed contamination of 85% of nursing mothers’ milk 1970s and increased in use during the 1980s. The rise in samples, which means that children are drinking potent —_ autism started in the 1980s. hormones during crucial early According to new research, a toxic development.” substance capable of disrupting nerve Many of the sunscreen chemicals cell formation, combined with lack of row gecueicharem ee ols! ‘Therise in the 3" 5 ein dered ass of passing through the placenta and incidence of depending on the stage of neurological tering the foetus.” Offspri f * devel t that i pene cee ee autism parallels oro gerne chemicals show general, roid and the rise in to the ‘xc Supstance reproductive toxicity, so it follows that Based on these connections, it is bur human offepring are subjected to sunscreen use. imperative to research whether the the same harmful changes.” Sunscreens came ubiquitous ue of gunscreen chemicals, possibly combined wi e many other Sunscreens, Autism and ADHD onto the market oestrogenic chemicals (e.g., pesticides) Sunscreen chemicals could be in the 1970s and that have been introduced over the last 30 years, could be involved in the exponential rise in autism that has also occurred in the last 30 years. one of the causes of the worldwide rise in autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Considering all the aspects of impact that sunscreen chemicals have on the developing foetus and all the features that autistic children display, it is important to pay attention to the correlations between these two. The features increased in use during the 1980s. The rise in autism started in the 1980s. The Dangers of Nanoparticles A major problem with far- reaching consequences is that sunscreens utilise materials such as nanoparticles which are relatively new to mankind. Few of autism that make it important quantitative analytical techniques to look into chemical sunscreens’ exist for measuring these potential role in the rapid increase in the disorder nanoparticles in natural systems.” include: gender differences, thyroid disruption, racial The metallic oxides titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc differences, and a rise in incidence that parallels arise in oxide (ZnO) are used in sunscreens as they block out UVA sunscreen use. Since most sunscreen chemicals act like as well as UVB rays. Naturally occurring as thick, white, oestrogens or anti-androgens, thus disrupting opaque powders, they are manufactured into white testosterone, there is more potential impact on male pastes to be spread onto the skin, especially the nose (a development compared to female. Autism affects more practice common among lifeguards). To make these boys than girls by a 4:1 ratio.” oxides more transparent to the eye, manufacturers shrink The human embryo is "exquisitely sensitive" to thyroid hem down to nanometre-sized particles. Nanoparticles disruption during gestation, and environmental ave been allowed to be incorporated in sunscreen contaminants within the uterus can interfere with normal ormulas without testing because they have been embryonic thyroid maturation.” Sunscreen chemicals considered safe in their full, natural state or bulk form. disrupt foetal thyroid development in mammals, and However, researchers are finding that the radically autism is being linked to thyroid deficiencies, particularly reduced size results in radically different behaviours of during foetal growth.* hese oxides. incidence of autism parallels the rise in during the 1980s. The rise in 32 * NEXUS The rise in the sunscreen use. Sunscreens came onto the market in the 1970s and increased in use autism started in the 1980s. FEBRUARY - MARCH 2012 www.nexusmagazine.com