References 163molecules of a harmful chemical reaching a fetal brain at the early stage of
prenatal development could deplete specific progenitor neurons and induce
ASD. We also confirmed the relative resistance of female neuroblastoma cell
lines to certain fragrances with regards to oxytocin‐ and AVP‐receptor positive
neuron depletion. Males, however, are highly vulnerable to fragrances when it
comes to oxytocin‐ and AVP‐receptor positive neurons.
Conclusion and Summary
The discordant maternal twins provide an excellent opportunity to uncover the
potential role of environmental factors such as synthetic fragrances, glypho-
sate and other EDCs derived from petrochemicals containing carcinogenic,
mutagenic, hormone disturbing and neuromodifying capabilities at the molec-
ular and cellular levels. The causes of ASD have not been evaluated. This is
partly due to the 1973 Food and Drug Administration decision to exempt fra-
grances and cosmetics from appropriate testing, which is generally required
for any consumer item that enters the human body and is metabolized by
human metabolic pathways. Synthetic chemicals that are designed to enter a
human body via respiratory and dermal routes and that appear to be harmless
to adult humans and other mammals, with fully differentiated brain, may have
severe consequences for the undifferentiated and still developing fetal brain. In
addition, there are certain parts of the adult brain where brain cells regularly go
through neurogenesis (i.e., piriform cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and sub-
ventricular zone); these cells may be highly vulnerable to similar neurotoxic
chemicals. Concerns about the potential neurotoxic effects of these chemicals
are warranted.
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