1Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
2Department of Special Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences, AL-Hussien Bin Talal University, Ma’an
3Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, The University of Jordan
4College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
5School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
*Corresponding Author E-mail: ybustanji@sharjah.ac.ae
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has gained increased recognition in recent years. Studies suggest that environmental factors, especially exposure to toxic heavy metals, may contribute to its development. This study examines the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu) in hair samples from children with ASD in comparison to neurotypical children in Jordan. It also investigates the correlation between numerous environmental and socio-demographic parameters and these metal concentrations.
The research analyzed hair samples from 25 children diagnosed with ASD and 25 neurotypical children matched by age and gender. The samples underwent analysis via Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to quantify the amounts of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu). Furthermore, parents of 228 children with ASD and 100 neurotypical controls completed structured questionnaires concerning environmental and socio-demographic variables.
The results indicated that children with ASD exhibited markedly elevated concentrations of Cd and Pb in their hair relative to the control group. The Cd concentration was quantified at 5.98 ± 1.12 μg/g in the ASD group, compared to 4.14 ± 0.92 μg/g in the control group. Lead levels were measured at 23.99 ± 6.52 μg/g in children with ASD, in contrast to 14.39 ± 2.73 μg/g in the control group. Conversely, copper levels exhibited no significant variations between the two groups. The study also revealed no significant correlations between ASD and certain socio-demographic characteristics, such as parental smoking or proximity to petrol stations, industrial zones, or pesticide-treated areas.
The increased concentrations of Cd and Pb in children with ASD underscore the possible influence of environmental metals on the disease in Jordan. The research indicates that wider environmental factors, potentially associated with urbanization, may outweigh household exposures in significance. These findings highlight the necessity of continuous environmental surveillance and public health programs designed to reduce neurotoxic exposures in children.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Heavy Metals, Cadmium, Lead, Environmental Exposure, Good health and Well-being, Jordan
