Autism is a neurodevelopmental disability characterized by social withdrawal, impaired speech, and repetitive or stereotypical behavior. Although both hereditary and environmental variables (and their interplay) have been suggested, the pathophysiological etiologies that initiate autistic symptoms are frequently elusive and debatable. The body load of hazardous metals like mercury, lead, and others are one environmental issue that has drawn a lot of attention.
In a shocking report published in February 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Economic and Consumer Policy exposed that numerous well-known infant food brands have dangerous toxins. An extensive examination of the security of some infant food brands offered for sale in the United States led to surprising conclusions in the Subcommittee Report.
Various research has connected behavioral abnormalities to exposure to hazardous heavy metals. Due to their developing brains, newborns and toddlers are most affected by the connection. Heavy metal exposure, even at modest doses, can harm a child’s developing nervous system severely and permanently.
What you need to know about heavy metals
Heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic, can contaminate air, water, and soil and infiltrate the food supply chain when using chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, and inappropriate disposal of waste and other products.
Young children are particularly at risk from heavy metals in their diet because they consume more food relative to their body weight and absorb metals more quickly than adults.
According to Linda McCauley, Dean of the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University, who studies the impact of the environment on health, “no level of exposure to these metals is safe in vulnerable infants.” McCauley explains that exposure to harmful heavy metals from multiple sources can have deadly cumulative consequences.
Many health organizations also affirm McCauley’s view. For instance, the American Academy of Pediatrics, among many organizations, also stated clearly that “No level of exposure to these heavy metals is safe in children.”
How long does it take for heavy metals in baby food to cause autism?
Heavy metals serve as neurotoxins. Once they penetrate the blood-brain barrier and the neurological system, they may cause significant harm. Children will exhibit symptoms of autism spectrum disorders, such as:
- Behavioral problems
- Delayed speech development(learning difficulties)
- Repeating motions
- Deficiencies in understanding language
- Monotonous dialogue
When it comes to the period during which a child has to be exposed to heavy metals from baby food until they develop autism, it varies greatly, as some babies are more sensitive than others. In general, it takes between 1 and 3 years for parents to observe that something is not right concerning the behavior, movement, and reactions of their child. When that happens, individuals should seek medical help since leaving it untreated makes it worsen over time.
Seeking Compensation
Given that the producers of infant food deliberately permitted their products to be sold with unsafe amounts of heavy metals, you have every right to pursue financial compensation.
Various law firms can help with an autism baby food lawsuit. All you need to do is reach out to them and submit your case. Your case will be examined by attorneys, who will ultimately decide whether you are entitled to compensation. If you are, they will start preparing your claim right away. You will eventually achieve the best outcome for your child.
Final Words
Many baby foods have been diagnosed to contain heavy metal that eventually causes Autism in children. The symptoms of Autism become evident after a year. Parents should be very observant of their children. Once any autism-related symptom surfaces, treatment should be carried out immediately.
If your child was identified as having autism and habitually ate baby food that was determined to have significant amounts of hazardous heavy metals, you could seek financial compensation.
