They say children with autism spectrum¹ disorder² (ASD) were more likely to have been exposed to higher levels of certain air toxics³ during their mothers' pregnancies⁴ and the first two years of life compared.

 

The find could help explain the rise in cases.

 

The investigation⁵ of children in southwestern Pennsylvania will be presented today at the American Association for Aerosol⁶ Research annual meeting in Orlando.

 

'Autism spectrum disorders⁷ are a major public health problem, and their prevalence has increased dramatically,' said Evelyn Talbott of Pitt Public Health, who led the research.

 

'Despite its serious social impact, the causes of autism are poorly understood.

 

'Very few studies of autism have included environmental exposures while taking into account other personal and behavioral risk factors.

 

'Our analysis is an addition to the small but growing body of research that considers air toxics as one of the risk factors for ASD.'

 

Dr. Talbott and her colleagues performed a population-based study of families with and without ASD living in six southwestern Pennsylvania counties.

 

The researchers found links between increased levels of chromium and styrene and childhood autism spectrum disorder, a condition that affects one in 68 children.

 

'This study brings us a step closer toward understanding why autism affects so many families in the Pittsburgh region and nationwide – and reinforces in sobering detail that air quality matters,' said Grant Oliphant, president of The Heinz Endowments.

 

'Our aspirations⁸ for truly becoming the most livable city cannot be realized if our children's health is threatened by dangerous levels of air toxics.

 

'Addressing this issue must remain one of our region's top priorities.'

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