Cerazy and Cottingham have worked with some of the most challenging children with autism. As special educators, they have watched the incidence of autism explode over the course of their careers. But they simply did not believe that such a worldwide phenomenon could occur in an age of technology and information, without an understanding of cause. Two years ago, they set out on an aggressive search that crossed disciplines and tore down research silos. They didn’t “discover”
And that is when they learned about a synergistic effect that is known as potentiation. Essentially, the toxic effect of mercury is boosted dramatically when lead is present.
So why is that a problem?
This question became core to the writing and research of Cerazy and Cottingham. It is why they are concerned with the current focus on blood lead levels of children – not because it does not yield important information about current exposure levels, but because its not proactive. And because the epidemic of lead-impact is happening in the population having children and no one is talking about it.
Lead does not simply circulate in the blood. Rather, it accumulates in bone and tissue. In women, it is released during pregnancy and crosses the placenta to the fetus. It continues to pass to the baby during breastfeeding. This is a precarious reality that puts a baby’s developing brain directly in harm’s way. The damage is permanent and effects cognitive function (lowered IQ, learning disabilities, ADHD, memory and concentration deficits) and behavior.
In men, lead is a major cause of infertility. But even worse, lead alters the genetic profile of sperm. This results in babies with far more serious and devastating disabilities than learning problems, and the increased vulnerability to the effects of neurotoxins like mercury that we see in children today.
Testosterone is also a potentiating agent for neurotoxins. That’s why the number of boys diagnosed with learning and behavior problems is dramatically higher than girls; autism is more prevalent amongst boys as well.
So where is the lead and mercury coming from, and how do we stop it?
Cerazy and Cottingham actually wish these were the questions people were asking. They are worried about the complacent attitude they see as the mainstream consumer continues to create demand, and buy and use products containing lead. Yet, avoiding exposure to lead is so simple and basic, it is no more involved than recycling! They have devoted a book to lead education, and helping those who are concerned through an easy to follow process.
And while lead is driven by our appetite as consumers, mercury’s story is even more sobering. The vaccine manufacturers have been named as the mercury source, but in reality there is a long list of products that contain mercury. Parents are accepting various forms of mercury from both the medical and dental professions. From the eye drops that are frequently used on newborns in hospitals, to the amalgam that has been installed in our molars for decades – these are ready sources that deliver mercury to babies.
Consequently, the current focus on vaccines, indeed a source of mercury for some babies and mothers, has caused us to miss other key sources of mercury and the all-important role of lead in the autism equation. And because lead and mercury are not going away anytime soon, Cerazy and Cottingham turn to the upcoming generation of parents to break the cycle of damage. They need to remove accumulations of lead and mercury from their bodies, maintain lead-safe and mercury-free homes and work environments, and insist on mercury-free medical and dental treatment for themselves and their children.
Can we do it?
Cerazy and Cottingham believe that their book, “LEAD BABIES, Breaking the cycle of learning disabilities, declining IQ, ADHD, behavior problems, and autism” has the potential for profound social change, and that the future of autism sits squarely in our hands as individuals who are able to obtain information, and take personal responsibility for the lifestyle, consumer and healthcare choices we make.
For more information visit www.nomoreleadbabies.com.
Authors: Joanna Cerazy M.Ed. and Sandra Cottingham Ph.D
www.nomoreleadbabies.com
Kunati Inc (USA & Canada) www.kunati.com
Independent Publishers Group (IPG)
ISBN: 978-1-60164-
