Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to reveal a potential connection between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism, according to unverified reports. Shares of Kenvue, the company that produces Tylenol, dropped 10% amid speculation about the findings.

The Department of Health and Human Services plans to highlight low folate levels and Tylenol consumption during pregnancy as potential factors in autism, alongside other causes, sources familiar with the matter said. The report also suggests a form of folate called leucovorin may help reduce autism symptoms. In 2022, approximately one in 31 eight-year-olds in the U.S. was diagnosed with autism.

Tylenol, whose active ingredient is acetaminophen, is widely used by pregnant women, though studies on its risks to fetal development have yielded mixed results. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists deems it safe for use during pregnancy when advised by a healthcare provider.

A separate claim links Marin County, California’s reduced vaccination schedule in the early 2000s to lower autism rates compared to national trends. Researchers noted a decline in autism diagnoses among wealthy, liberal populations in the area, though causal relationships remain unproven. Some argue that access to private care or alternative interventions may explain the trend, rather than vaccination practices.

Critics have raised concerns about vaccine safety and industry influence, with figures like financier Bill Ackman advocating for a review of childhood vaccination protocols. Personal accounts describe challenges in spacing out vaccines, citing resistance from medical professionals.

The discussion has sparked broader skepticism about public health policies, including allegations of toxic additives in vaccines and long-term health risks associated with immunizations. However, no conclusive evidence has been presented to confirm these claims.