Potential Link between Air Pollution Exposure During Pregnancy and Increased Autism Spectrum Disorder Risk
Key Takeaways:
- A recent U.S study suggests a potential link between high levels of air pollution exposure during the late stages of pregnancy, especially the third trimester, and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children.
- The findings strengthen the theory that ASD might be influenced by air pollution, although it is not identified as the definitive cause of autism. The research points towards an adjustable autism risk factor.
- Multiple studies have found a relationship between exposure to polluted air during pregnancy and increased ASD risk, suggesting that the third trimester could be a “critical window”.
- The study identified fine-particle pollution, caused by the burning of fossil fuels and indoor sources like candle burning, as connected to ASD risk.
- Although air pollution exhibits a relatively higher autism risk, the absolute risk to a specific woman exposed during pregnancy could be low due to the complexity of autism spectrum disorders, which involve a mix of genetic predispositions and various environmental risk factors.
An emerging research from the United States posits potential health ramifications of smog exposure during late stages of pregnancy. This new study discloses a possible link between exposure to high levels of air pollution and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) development in offspring.
The review of this extensive study, which entailed the data of approximately 1,800 women giving birth between 1990 and 2002, illustrated that those exposed to high levels of air pollution during late stages of pregnancy had double the likelihood of birthing a child that later shows signs of autism spectrum disorders. The correlation was even stronger when the exposure happened specifically during the third trimester.
High Impact of Polluted Air on ASD Risk
Eminent specialists have underlined that these latest findings, as published within Environmental Health Perspectives, provide additional credence to the theory that autism spectrum disorders might be influenced by air pollution.
“This fortifies our belief that air pollution can play a role in increasing ASD risk,” indicated Michael Rosanoff, an autonomous public health research director. He emphasized the importance of perspective, saying, “An instance of a doubling in risk does not imply a high risk overall.”
It’s worth noting that although the research establishes a link between prenatal air pollution exposure and autism risk, it doesn’t attest to air pollution being the definitive cause of autism.
Rosanoff has, however, acknowledged the significance of the findings as they suggest a potentially adjustable autism risk factor.
Recent Findings Augment Existing Insights
In the broader picture of understanding autism spectrum disorders, multiple studies have discovered a relationship between exposure to polluted air during gestation and increased ASD risk. ASDs encompass a variety of developmental issues that can obstruct a child’s communication and social interaction abilities.
The current discovery, as provided by senior investigator Marc Weisskopf, associate professor at the Harvard School of Public Health, offers several new thoughts. Weisskopf confirmed, “The connection is concentrated specifically during pregnancy, more during the third trimester.”
Weisskopf’s team discovered no statistical connection between mothers’ exposure to polluted air outside of the pregnancy period and autism risk in children. Weisskopf said, “This helps to eliminate many other factors that could constitute the link.”
The Third Trimester – A Critical Window
The fact that the third trimester of pregnancy could be a “critical window” adds weight to the argument that air pollution could indeed contribute to the onset of autism spectrum disorders in certain cases, commented Rosanoff.
The specific reason for this remains unclear. However, according to Weisskopf, “During the third trimester, neuron growth and migration take place in the brain, and this could be a potential explanation.” He called for more research into how fine-particle air pollution could impact fetal brain development.
Interpreting the Role of Air Pollution in Autism Onset
The research findings were sourced from a comprehensive analysis of data involving 245 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and over 1,500 who weren’t. Weisskopf’s team utilized air-quality data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to estimate the monthly pollution exposure levels for each woman prior to, during, and after pregnancy.
The research identified that a certain type of air pollution, fine-particle pollution, was connected to ASD risk. Generated from the burning of fossil fuels, fine particles are released by car exhausts, wood-burning, and industrial sources, according to the EPA. Indoor sources producing fine-particles include candle burning and fireplace usage.
Decoding the Absolute Autism Risk of Air Pollution
Weisskopf emphasized that while air pollution exposure did implicate a comparatively higher autism risk, the absolute risk to a specific woman exposed during pregnancy could be considerably low. Autism spectrum disorders stem from a mix of genetic predispositions coupled with various environmental risk factors yet to be fully comprehended.
“Autism spectrum disorders are highly complex, notably varying in severity and symptoms. There exists no single environmental factor leading to autism,” stated Rosanoff.
For now, expectant mothers can take steps to mitigate air pollution exposure by avoiding walks near busy roads or staying indoors when the EPA’s online Air Quality Index indicates poor air quality for their local area.
More information
The U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences provides further information on autism.
