Low Prenatal Pesticide Exposure Not Tied to Autism Traits in Study
An analysis of data from the ECHO study found no link between low prenatal exposure to organophosphate pesticides, including chlorpyrifos, and autism-related traits in children. The findings held after adjusting for diet and across sexes. The researchers emphasize that the results do not indicate safety at higher exposure levels.
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The ECHO study measured six dialkyl phosphate metabolites and TCPy, a chlorpyrifos breakdown product, in maternal samples. Neither biomarker showed association with parent-reported autism traits, with results holding across sexes and after dietary adjustment. The researchers noted that conventional produce consumption strongly predicts organophosphate biomarker levels, and that organic diets substantially reduce these metabolites.
Chlorpyrifos has a complex regulatory history: the EPA revoked its tolerances in 2021, but the Eighth Circuit overturned that ban in 2023, with a technical correction issued in 2026. The EU banned the chemical in 2020. Prior research has