In Studio A, July 23rd: Environmental Contaminants and Autism

Tuesday, July 23rd at 6:30 PM | Belmont Media Center | 9 Lexington Street in Belmont. Waverley Square - across from Shaw's.

Professor Weisskopf investigates the epidemiology of a range of neurological disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, and autism. He focuses on the effects of exposures to environmental toxicants such as lead and other metals in the environment, herbicides and poisons such as Agent Orange. Dr. Weisskopf and his colleagues are also exploring neuro-cognitive biomarkers that could identify potential neurological effects of contaminants early, to allow for more effective interventions to reduce harm from these exposures. In this discussion he will focus on the relationship between environmental contaminants and autism.

Environmental Epidemiology is among the most exciting fields in modern science, in part because of the great range of neuro-cognitive impairments the research covers, the possibility of preventive efforts to protect neurological function, as well as understanding the etiology of these conditions with an eye toward cures. Dr. Weisskopf’s work is also particularly important because of the need to understand how environmental contaminants of many sorts are affecting the brain across generations.