This release of CoMeta includes a new theme summarizing CoMeta content related to autism spectrum disorder, new scenarios addressing the ongoing glyphosate and talc litigations, and a host of updated Litagion agent and company profiles impacted by newly published peer-reviewed science and newly gathered company information.
New Content
Themes
- Autism. Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is characterized by difficulty communicating and interacting with others, repetitive behavior, and restricted interest. These symptoms are severe enough to impair an individual’s ability to learn and work. ASD is typically diagnosed in early childhood and so is considered a developmental disorder. The causes of ASD are not well understood, but both genetic and environmental factors are hypothesized to elevate risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated the prevalence of ASD at one in 59 children in 2014, nearly three times the estimated prevalence in 2000.
Updated Litagion agents based on newly published science
All Litagion agent profiles have been updated to reflect the most recently published peer-reviewed science. A notable scientific study added to CoMeta since the last release includes:
- Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS): A Danish study found PFHxS levels in maternal plasma is associated with early onset puberty in children.
In addition, we highlight the following changes to the components of Litagion agent risk resulting from recently published peer-reviewed science:
| Litagion agent | Risk category change | Overall risk change |
| Cadmium | Projected science risk changes from Low (green) to Medium-low (light green) | Medium (yellow) to Medium-high (orange) |
| Welding fumes | Projected science risk changes from Low (green) to Medium-low (light green) | None |