If this turns out to be true, I hope there's a way to "de-dust" existing computers. I can't imagine what that would be, though, if compressed air doesn't do the trick.
On a perverse level, though, the phrase "toxic computer dust" makes me want to laugh a bit.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
so.....then what caused autism on kids long before computers were household items??
FG
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Nobody's saying that computer dust is the only cause of autism, just that it can cause autism.
Apparently autism is significantly more common among children in Silicon Valley. Now there may be an explanation.
Posted by The Pixiest (Member # 1863) on :
::sniff sniff:: I smell junk science
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Here are some snippets from Ars' source:
quote:Electronics companies began using polybrominated diphenyl (PBDEs) and other flame retardants in the 1970s, arguing that the toxins prevent fires and cannot escape from plastic casings.
The study found that tiny particles of the toxic chemicals are leaching out, escaping into the air and attaching to ordinary dust on the computer equipment.
quote:Researchers collected samples of dust from dozens of computers in eight states, including university computer labs in New York, Michigan and Texas, legislative offices in California, and an interactive computer display at a children's museum in Maine. They tested for three types of brominated flame retardants suspected to be hazardous.
The most toxic piece of equipment discovered by the researchers was a new flat-screen monitor in a university in New York, implying that newer equipment isn't necessarily cleaner.
Penta- and octa-brominated diphenyl will be taken off the market by the end of the year. Environmental groups are demanding legislation that would ban deca-brominated diphenyl, too.
PBDEs, which have caused neurological damage in laboratory rats in numerous studies, are related to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), used in fire extinguishers, fluorescent lights and liquid insulators since the 1920s.
However,
quote:Scientists have not directly correlated exposure to PBDEs with specific diseases or developmental impairment, although researchers are studying possible links between brominated flame retardants and autism.
Independent researchers who reviewed the new study say consumers shouldn't throw out their computers, and they needn't wear special gloves or minimise exposure to computer monitors.
Additionally,
quote:Dell Inc and many other computer makers continue using a flame retardant related to PBDEs on circuit boards. They use lead, mercury and other toxins in central processing units and monitors. But Dell, along with Apple Computer Inc. and others, stopped using PBDEs in 2002.
We'll see what happens.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Twinky, why there is more autism in Sillicon Valley has everything to do with genetics. It is because of Sillicon valley that Asperger's was really nailed down.
You see the computer nerds are mating, because there are so many of them in the same place. These people would have been monks and nuns 300 years ago. Now, they are multiplying, and the gentic magnification of Asperger's often turns into autistic kids. Before if a male geek wanted to mate he still went with a nurturing different personality type like a teacher, now they are able to find similar female geeks.
quote: a study by Simon Baron-Cohen, an autism specialist, which found that "the parents and grandparents of autistic children are twice as likely to be engineers as the national average for all occupations would suggest." In the sample of 820 autistic children's families there were 100 fathers who were engineers and 80 grandfathers.
Of course this doesn't draw the reverse correllation because the overall number of engineers that have autistic children is pretty low and I don'think they have enough data to say anything about that.
Steve and I, both engineers, score well into the range with Steve scoring higher than I. However it normally Asperger's isn't as severe in women as well. Makes us wonder if we should reproduce, especially since I've got 3 generations of engineering ancestors. I generally score between 30-36 depending on when I take the test. I think Steve was up in the 40s.
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Yeah, I also read a detailed Wired article on the subject of autism and genetics in Silicon Valley recently.
Posted by Alexa (Member # 6285) on :
Imagine what Stan Lee could do with "toxic computer dust."
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Newsweek did a synopsis on Autism a while back. I actually bought it. But it was basically a re-hash of the wired article, in less detail and more emphasis on the gender connection.
AJ
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
BTW, AJ, I just took the test and scored a whopping 16 -- just barely below the average.
I guess that means I'm not a normal geek. Don't I fit in anywhere? Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
maybe in Canada
AJ
Posted by Mabus (Member # 6320) on :
Interesting. I tested at 27--well above average but below the "probably has something" level.
I know that in my case, any such tendencies I had couldn't be directly inherited--most of my family are outgoing and emotionally savvy, with the exception of my sister. I suppose that it could be a case of recessive genes emerging, or just as easily environmental factors. (My only full sibling, a sister, was born within two years of me. Though our personalities and aptitudes are quite different, both of us are very introverted. My half-sister, the youngest of my siblings, has aptitudes and intelligence comparable to mine but is much more active and outgoing.)
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
*sits next to twinky at the lunch table* (I scored 17.)
I think my geek credentials are in serious question. I suck at Halo, and I didn't like The Family Guy. I don't like programming. Only my book collection and science interests even let me play here, I think. Well, that, and I found I love living by myself.
[ June 04, 2004, 02:17 PM: Message edited by: katharina ]
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Thanks, kat.
Apparently I'm not socially inept enough for the likes of AJ and her boy toy. Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Interesting. I scored 33.
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
So if I scored 22, what does it mean?
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
That's okay. We can throw the parties - I'll do the publicity and food if you want to handle the entertainment. Posted by Ayelar (Member # 183) on :
I got a 33, and I thought I was playing up my social side.
People suck! All I need are my thoughts. Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Deal Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
32. But at least 4 of the questions that contributed to the score I would have marked as neutral.
Dagonee Edit: Former programmer, current law student.
[ June 04, 2004, 02:36 PM: Message edited by: Dagonee ]
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
I got a 30, and I am an engineer.
But question 9 "I am fascinated by dates." really bugged me. Is it talking about my own dates, the dates that other people go on, the fruit, or historical dates? Posted by Bob the Lawyer (Member # 3278) on :
I scored an 8. I didn't bother reading what the scores mean, I'm just going to assume 8 is the best possible outcome. I'm much happier that way.
(What's that? That opinion increased my score to a 9? Crast!)
(What?? This conversation with myself increased it to 10??)
11
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
15. Don't think I probably have Asperger's.
Posted by UofUlawguy (Member # 5492) on :
29. I know I don't have Asperger's, although I do have several Asperger-like traits. However, I do suspect that my younger brother just might have it. Of course, when we were growing up, nobody had ever heard of it. We had heard of autism, but we knew he didn't have that.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
I don't think that my geek qualifications are in any jeopardy though--I'm playing in two pbem D&D games, and am designing a gameworld of my own. It really doesn't get much more geeky than that.
Still, I'm happy to sit at twink and kat's table. All you people scoring in the 30s can just sit back and listen to our scintillating conversation. Posted by Mike (Member # 55) on :
22. o_O
I was expecting my score to be much higher. Actually, if I had taken this test five or ten years ago it probably would have been. I wonder if my brain chemistry has changed between now and then.
Posted by eslaine (Member # 5433) on :
14. I am so relieved.
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
I wonder if my low score means I'm not qualified to be an engineer anymore.
*takes off iron ring*
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
::Makes room for elaine at the lunch table::
Posted by Ophelia (Member # 653) on :
10
I guess I'm safe.
Posted by Telperion the Silver (Member # 6074) on :
16 for me... I was also expecting a much higher score...
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
The control group score was an average. I got 25. If I have 8 siblings and only 1 has obvious Asperger's, I think that's pretty good. He is too geeky even for Hatrack. He tried it and found it too slushy or something. What would be the max score?
What do you all think? Do I sometimes say impolite things that I seem to believe were polite?
I could see a trend in responses where I have some social ability, but some things can be learned.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
13.
probably because I'm very social and like talking to people.
FG
edit: but I want to give this test to my middle son, who has many of these characteristics -- if there is a way I get ask him them questions without him knowing what kind of test it is.....
[ June 04, 2004, 01:53 PM: Message edited by: Farmgirl ]
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
P.S. I think the chances of tracking it down to one toxin are pretty remote. I think it's a combo of genetics and environmental stresses that can include fevers and radical changes in environment. As for immunizations, I avoided the MMR for my daughter and she has symptoms anyway. We did finally get it when she started school.
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
Farmgirl: I think if you are open to and appreciate his uniqueness, I don't know how a diagnosis would help. It's not like there is a cure. And looking at that test, almost none of the are "bad" ways to be. (at least, it doesn't seem that way to folks who are that way). Though you might want to espouse the "opposites attract" theory of spouse selection for them.
Posted by Nick (Member # 4311) on :
I scored 27. I'm not very social... I like to keep to myself mostly.
35. I am often the last to understand the point of a joke. YES!!! Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Actually it doesn't matter if you *know* what the test is for or not. I guess you could print it and then enter his answers in and see it score. Why not ask your son to take it, and link him to this thread to see how other people you know scored. He knows he thinks differently than other people already, if it helps explain it he might be eager to find out. I think you are selling him short Farmgirl.
AJ
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Really Nick? You? Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Well, I don't want him to think I'm "labelling" him as Aspie or whatever. But I see definate trends in that direction for him (he's 16). He was tested years ago for high-end autism, but they ruled it out because he really is very attuned to what other people feel, although anti-social.
quote:Though you might want to espouse the "opposites attract" theory of spouse selection for them
Well, pooka, to be honest, at this point his "spousal" choice is this wonderful imaginary friend that he has (and has had for several years). Is that weird enough for you? <grin>
FG
Posted by Chaz_King (Member # 3184) on :
Hrmm I got a 9 on the autism test...
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
...
I got a 6.
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
31
woo. engineer.
Posted by Chaz_King (Member # 3184) on :
LoL my buddy sitting behind me got a 9 also, but we both have ADD, and if you think about it, ADD is practically the opposite of Aspergers so it makes sense.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
I was thinking that as well. I also have ADHD.
Posted by Nick (Member # 4311) on :
Noemon: Posted by Chaz_King (Member # 3184) on :
Oh, and we are both Graphic Designers, so not really close to engineers Posted by Olivetta (Member # 6456) on :
13. I was expecting a higher score, too. I think I would have scored much higher back in gradeschool, though. I avoided people like the plague, but it was mostly because I believed myself to be ugly and unlikeable. Once I realized I was mistaken, I became much more social.
Posted by Ayelar (Member # 183) on :
quote:All you people scoring in the 30s can just sit back and listen to our scintillating conversation.
Actually, if this test is accurate, we'd probably all rather claw out our eyes or something. Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
24. My recently improved skills at multitasking are likely more than balanced out by my increasingly surly and antisocial demeanor. Posted by saxon75 (Member # 4589) on :
29. I've wondered before if I have Asperger's or something. I often focus in on work or books or games so much that I don't notice people talking to me, or I forget that I'm hungry or have to go to the bathroom. On the other hand I also have a really hard time concentrating on what people are saying to me if it goes on for more than about three sentences.
Posted by Rappin' Ronnie Reagan (Member # 5626) on :
31. And everything saxy said applies to me, too...
Posted by Nick (Member # 4311) on :
What saxon said. Posted by ak (Member # 90) on :
24 too! Woot! I scored the same as CT! That makes me cool! <preens>
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
No, Anne Kate, that makes me cool.
And it also means that should we ever get together, we could probably mindmeld from across the table, neatly cooking all the hors d'ouevres in between.
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