Prenatal, postnatal exposure to fine particulate matter increases risk for autism

Prenatal and postnatal exposure to fine particulate matter increased risk for autism spectrum disorder, according to study findings in Environmental Research.“Several recent studies have focused on the association between exposure to air pollution (traffic related and from industry) and autism,” study researcher Evelyn O. Talbott, PhD, of the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, and colleagues wrote. “Although the time periods of the investigations, timing of the exposure periods and exposure assessments themselves are varied, the results of these studies suggest a potential role for air pollution, including [fine particulate matter] in the development of autism.”