Research suggests that air pollution inhaled by pregnant women might be associated with an increased risk of autism in their children. A recent literature review highlighted that infants with a genetic predisposition to autism who were exposed to four prevalent air pollutants had a higher likelihood of developing the disorder.
It is believed that inhaled pollutants can enter the bloodstream during pregnancy or early childhood, bypassing the brain’s protective barriers. This exposure may lead to inflammation and disrupt normal nerve function and development. Alarmingly, autism rates have surged globally, with U.S. statistics showing a near tripling among children and young adults, now affecting roughly three in every 100 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Dr. Haitham Amal from Hebrew University in Jerusalem emphasized the need to explore factors contributing to this rise. His research largely focuses on nitric oxide (NO), a gas generated during combustion in vehicles, which he asserts plays a critical role in the development of ASD.
The American Lung Association states that 39 percent of the U.S. population resides in areas with significant air pollution, underscoring the urgency of monitoring these harmful substances.
In the study published in Brain Medicine, Dr. Amal and his team examined various studies and focused on particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. Their findings indicated that children genetically predisposed to autism who encountered environmental pollutants were more vulnerable to developing the condition. Dr. Amal expressed pride in his team’s pioneering work linking air pollution to autism.
Vocabulary List:
- Pollution /pəˈluːʃən/ (noun): The presence of harmful substances in the environment.
- Inhaled /ɪnˈheɪld/ (verb): Breathed in air or substances.
- Predisposition /ˌpriː.dɪs.pəˈzɪʃ.ən/ (noun): An inclination or susceptibility to a particular condition.
- Inflammation /ɪnˌflæməˈeɪʃən/ (noun): A localized physical condition characterized by redness swelling and pain.
- Combustion /kəmˈbʌs.tʃən/ (noun): The process of burning something.
- Vulnerable /ˈvʌlnərəbl/ (adjective): Capable of being physically or emotionally harmed.