Study reveals unexpected factor linked to increased risk of autism
A recent American study concluded that pregnant women exposed to forest fire smoke during the last months of pregnancy may increase the likelihood of their children developing autism.
The researchers examined data from more than 200,000 births in Southern California from 2006 to 2014, including 3,356 cases in which children were diagnosed with autism before the age of five.
The researchers found that pregnant women who were exposed to wildfire smoke particles for one to five days during the last trimester of pregnancy were more likely to have children with autism compared to those who were not exposed to these particles.
Researchers noted in a report published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology that during forest fires , burning plants and buildings release toxic metals and other pollutants that can be inhaled.
The researchers found that the greatest risk appeared among mothers who were exposed to wildfire smoke for more than 10 days during the last trimester of pregnancy, as their children were 23 percent more likely to be diagnosed with autism compared to children of mothers who were not exposed to smoke at all during pregnancy.
Risk factors also included advanced age, being in her first pregnancy, or having diabetes or obesity before pregnancy.
The researchers say their study does not prove that prenatal exposure to wildfires causes autism in children, but it adds to the growing evidence of the negative impact of air pollutants on fetal brain development.
References
Study reveals unexpected factor linked to increased risk of autism, sky news arabia, www.skynewsarabia.com/technology/1848399-دراسة-تكشف-عاملا-متوقع-يرتبط-بزيادة-خطر-الإصابة-بالتوحد