A chemical imbalance, contributed by inherited genes and environmental
factors, causes autism to develop. Many neurotoxins have been tested in
relation to autism: pesticides, flame retardants, or pet flea shampoos. One which
has not been studied as intensely is perflurooctanoic
acid (PFOA, also known as C8), an acid covering fast-food or to-go
containers to prevent liquids from leaking found in hamburger wrappers to
Chinese take-out Styrofoam boxes. Research shows that if PFOA accumulates in
the umbilical cords of babies, it may retard their growth and brain development.
