DeGaris Law is currently investigating claims involving the childhood development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) after consuming baby food products manufactured by Gerber. The issue found was they had knowingly sold baby foods with high levels of arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. While other brands of baby food have issued recalls on products that tested above dangerous thresholds for arsenic in baby foods, Gerber refused to issue a recall of its baby foods.
Numerous scientific studies conducted since 2010 have shown a strong link between the exposure to heavy metals in young babies and neurodevelopmental disorders like ASD and ADHD. Heavy metals, such as lead, interrupt the dopamine pathway, which results in dopaminergic neuron damage and the disruption of calcium-dependent neurotransmitters. This disruption of neurotransmitters leads to the development of ADHD. Children who ingested high levels of lead have been found to have more than double the risk for ADHD development. A 2013 study that investigated the level of heavy metals in children with ASD and the possible association of heavy metals. The scientists concluded that children with autism have higher than average levels of neurotoxic metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, and these levels of heavy metals are strongly associated with variations in the severity of autism.
To put this in perspective, we have compiled a side-by-side comparison of the maximum allowable limits that the FDA and the EPA set for arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury versus the amounts of these heavy metals in baby food:
If your child consumed any of these products and developed autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, contact DeGaris Law today for a free consultation with a Birmingham injury lawyer.