Study links air pollution during pregnancy to heightened autism risk

New research suggests that air pollution exposure during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism in babies with a genetic predisposition for the condition, according to a study by Dr. Haitham Amal and his team at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The review, published in 'Brain Medicine', examined existing studies on autism and air pollutants, focusing on four key pollutants: particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. Researchers found that these pollutants, especially when inhaled by pregnant women or young children, could enter the bloodstream and potentially bypass the brain’s protective barriers. Once there, they may cause inflammation and disrupt brain development, leading to an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in genetically vulnerable children.

Dr. Amal’s team has concentrated on nitric oxide (NO), a gas primarily produced by car emissions. Amal highlighted that NO has been shown to have a significant impact on the brain and may play a major role in the onset of autism.

The study aligns with recent data showing autism rates nearly tripling in the U.S. over recent decades, with about three in every 100 children now diagnosed with ASD. Research also indicates that certain pollutants, like particulate matter from vehicle emissions and industrial activity, can potentially increase autism risk by as much as 64 percent.

Air pollutants like sulfur dioxide, a byproduct of burning fossil fuels, and ozone, commonly produced in chemical plants, have been linked to changes in brain function related to decision-making and behavior. According to Dr. Amal, developing brains are especially vulnerable to such pollutants, as they can interfere with neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, crucial for brain function.

The findings come as about 39% of Americans live in areas with high levels of air pollution, according to the American Lung Association. This ongoing research underscores the potential impact of pollution on public health, particularly for pregnant women and young children.

Dr. Amal expressed pride in his team's work, saying their discovery of NO’s role in autism could be a significant step toward understanding the environmental factors behind rising autism rates.

Source: Daily Mail UK