Causes Of Autism Linked To Air Pollution? Pregnant Women In Third Trimester Are At Greatest Risk

The causes of autism have been studied through various studies, and it seems that researchers have come to a conclusion that air pollution is one of the main causes.

A new Harvard research reportedly shows that pregnant women living in highly polluted areas have a nearly doubled risk of giving birth to autistic children than women living in cleaner locations, according to the website Capitalalotc.com.

This new study reportedly confirms previous research that suggested that the causes of autism may be air pollution and reveals pregnant women in their third trimester at the greatest risk group.

For the study, the research team reportedly analyzed 245 children with autism and 1,522 without, according to BBC News. Researchers reportedly looked at the estimated pollution exposure during pregnancy, based on the mother’s home address.

Scientists reportedly concluded that high levels of pollution were more common in children with autism and the strongest link was with “fine particular matter,” including invisible specks of mineral dust, carbon and other chemicals, that enter the bloodstream and cause damage throughout the body, according to the British news outlet.

Although there is a large inherited component to the causes of autism, lead researcher Dr. Marc Weisskopf reportedly stated that evidence continues to show that air pollution plays a role as well.

“The specificity of our findings for the pregnancy period, and third trimester in particular, rules out many other possible explanations for these findings,” stated Dr. Marc Weisskopf.

He added, “The evidence base for a role for maternal exposure to air pollution increasing the risk of autism spectrum disorders is becoming quite strong. 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.”

This is reportedly the fifth time that air pollution has been linked to the causes of autism, according to director of the environmental research group at King’s College London Professor Frank Kelly.

“Women should be made aware of the potential links so they don’t get excessive exposure,” stated Kelly.