Air pollution raises autism risk
Pregnant women exposed to high levels of air pollution are twice as likely to have a child with autism compared to women exposed to low levels, scientists from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) reported in Environmental Health Perspectives (June 18th edition)
FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:
For further details of this research, see:Lead author Andrea Roberts, a research associate in the HSPH Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, said:
"Our findings raise concerns since, depending on the pollutant, 20% to 60% of the women in our study lived in areas where risk of autism was elevated."
Previous studies have shown how methylene chloride, lead, mercury, manganese, diesel and other particulates found in polluted air can affect the physical and neurologic development of the fetus and baby.
Two studies have already demonstrated a link between air pollution exposure during pregnancy and ASD risk. However, they only examined three locations in the country.
Roberts and colleagues gathered and examined data from the Nurses' Health Study II, which began in 1989 and included details on 116,430 nurses. They focused on data on 325 women who gave birth to a child who was eventually diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and 22,000 others whose children did not have the disorder.
The team analyzed environmental data from the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) to estimate how much air pollution the mothers were exposed to while pregnant. They also factored in some possible confounders, such as smoking during pregnancy, education and income. The main aim was to look at links between autism spectrum disorders and pollution levels at the time and place of birth.
Diesel and mercury levels linked to autism risk in offspring
The authors found that the pregnant mothers living in the 20% of areas with the most air pollution had twice the risk of having a child with autism, compared to those living in the 20% of locations with the lowest levels. The researchers focused on levels of diesel particulates and/or mercury in the air.
Methylene chloride, manganese and lead also raised autism risk
Regarding other pollutants, such as lead, methylene chloride, manganese, and combined metal exposure, a 50% higher risk of autism in offspring was found among those who had been living in areas with the highest levels during their pregnancy, compared to those with the least exposure.
Food and Behaviour Research is a registered charity (No SC034604) and a company limited by guarantee (Co No SC 253448)
Newsletter Signup
Useful Links
Contact Us
FAB Research
23 Carlton Road
Oxford
OX2 7SA
Important Notice
Medical opinion and guidance should always be sought for any symptoms that might possibly reflect a known or suspected disease, disorder or medical condition. Information provided on this website (or by FAB Research via any other means) does not in any way constitute advice on the treatment of any medical condition formally diagnosed or otherwise.
Site by Redstone Websites. Easy to Use Web Content Management. 2023 © All Rights Reserved.