Aerial Spraying of Mosquito Pesticide Linked to Autism, Study Finds

A new study conducted by the paediatric department of Penn State University in New York has discovered a potential link between the aerial dispersal of pesticide and the development of autism in young children.

The pesticide in question is designed to target mosquitoes, in particular those carrying the eastern equine encephalitis virus, capable of causing swelling of the spinal cord and/or brain. However, it has been found that youngsters exposed to the pesticide could be experiencing adverse health effects, as well.

‘25% More Likely to Develop Autism’

The study looked at one particularly swampy region of New York, which is treated with pyrethroid pesticides on an annual basis to combat the spread of the damaging virus. Health officials take to the airwaves and release an aerial spray of the pesticide to kill off any infected mosquitoes in the area.

However, the research shows that children living within the area are at elevated risk of being diagnosed with autism. By analysing autism rates in youngsters who lived in the same zip code area as airborne pesticide dispersal and comparing it with other areas since 2003, researchers determined that the children in the affected area had a 25% increase in diagnosis rates.

“Other studies have already shown that pesticide exposure might increase a child’s risk for autism spectrum disorder or developmental delay. Our findings show that the way pesticides are distributed may change that risk,” explained Steven Hicks, MD PhD and lead author on the study.

“Preventing mosquito-borne encephalitis is an important task for public health departments. Communities that have pesticide programs to help control the mosquito population might considr ways to reduce child pesticide exposure, including alternative application methods.”

Another Way

Pesticides have already come under fire in other areas of their application. Recently, a four-year analysis of the pesticides neonicotinoids and fipronil confirmed that they pose a global threat to biodiversity and ecosystems, primarily affecting the bee population.

The revelation led to a re-evaluation of the pros and cons of pesticides and fertilisers, with many critics calling for an outright ban on such chemicals. Though no such ban is being called against the pyrethroid pesticide – which is instrumental in limiting the spread of eastern equine encephalitis and other airborne viruses – a new approach to its dispensation must be considered.

Currently existing methods of dispersal which are used elsewhere are the manual distribution of granules among grassy areas and parklands, as well as the use of controlled droplet applicators and hoses. Since these techniques are already in use and have proven to be just as effective in mitigating the spread of the virus so far, there is no reason why areas which have traditionally used an aerial spray can’t switch to a less damaging method.