Autism Linked To fine Particulate Air Pollution

Previous studies have linked air pollution to autism. Now, new findings presented by the Environmental Health Perspectives reveal that certain types of air pollution and exposure may have more of an effect.

"We found an association that was specific to pregnancy and especially to the third trimester, identifying a window, which might shed a light on processes that are happening that can lead to autism," said Marc Weisskopf, the report's senior author and associate professor of environmental and occupational epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, via NBC News.

For the study, researchers examined data on pregnant women who took part in the Nurses' Health study II, a group of more than 116,000 female U.S. nurses who agreed to be tracked starting in 1989.

Among the sample, 245 children were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during the examined time period.

Researchers found that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) increased a woman's risk of having a child with autism if she was exposed to the pollution during pregnancy, especially the third trimester.

"The evidence base for a role for maternal exposure to air pollution increasing the risk of autism spectrum disorders is becoming quite strong," said senior author Marc Weisskopf, associate professor of environmental and occupational epidemiology, in a news release. "This not only gives us important insight as we continue to pursue the origins of autism spectrum disorders, but as a modifiable exposure, opens the door to thinking about possible preventative measures."

Statistics show that autism rates in the United States have increased 10-fold over the past 40 years, with one in every 68 children affected.

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