Nitric Oxide Pollution Linked to Increased Autism Risk

In a Canadian metropolitan area with relatively low ambient air pollution levels, 1 of 3 airborne pollutants was associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, found study of estimated exposure to air pollution at //mothers' homes during pregnancy. What causes ASD isn't known but some previous research has suggested environmental contaminants and air pollution may be potential risk factors.

This study included nearly all births in Vancouver, British Columbia, from 2004 through 2009. Among 132,256 births, 1 percent of children (1,307) were diagnosed with ASD by age 5.

NO was used as an indicator of traffic-related pollution. Other potential unaccounted factors could tamp down the study findings; direct assessment of air pollution exposure wasn't possible; and the study cannot draw causal inferences.

Authors: Lief Pagalan, M.Sc., Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada, and coauthors

Source-Eurekalert