In utero exposure to toxic air pollutants and risk of childhood autism.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Genetic and environmental factors are believed to contribute to the development of autism, but relatively few studies have considered potential environmental risks. Here, we examine risks for autism in children related to in utero exposure to monitored ambient air toxics from urban emissions.

Methods

Among the cohort of children born in Los Angeles County, California, 1995-2006, those whose mothers resided during pregnancy in a 5-km buffer around air toxics monitoring stations were included (n = 148,722). To identify autism cases in this cohort, birth records were linked to records of children diagnosed with primary autistic disorder at the California Department of Developmental Services between 1998 and 2009 (n = 768). We calculated monthly average exposures duri

SUBMITTER: von Ehrenstein OS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4698150 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature