New research suggests that air pollution breathed in by pregnant women could increase their child's risk of developing autism, particularly in those with genetic predisposition.
Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have found that exposure to four common air pollutants during pregnancy or early childhood may be linked to higher autism rates.
The study, published in Brain Medicine, examined how these pollutants can enter the bloodstream and bypass protective layers of the brain.
This research comes as autism rates continue to rise globally, with recent analysis showing cases have nearly tripled among children and young adults.
Scientists make discovery which could reveal the cause of autism
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The research focused on four key air pollutants: particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and ozone.
Particulate matter consists of microscopic pieces from construction sites, power plants and vehicles, measuring up to 30 times smaller than a human hair.
Nitric oxide, a gas released from car exhaust fumes, has been identified as particularly significant in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Sulfur dioxide, a colourless gas, is produced by burning fossil fuels and metal smelting.
Ozone, another colourless and odourless gas, comes from chemical plants, oil-based paint and print shops.
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The team behind the pollutants research
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
While doctors remain uncertain about the exact causes of autism, about 15 per cent of cases are linked to specific gene mutations.
Previous research from Harvard suggests exposure to air pollutants like particulate matter may increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder by up to 64 per cent.
Family history also plays a role, with individuals more likely to develop autism if an immediate family member has the condition.
According to the National Institutes of Health, ASD affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn and behave.
These pollutants can trigger inflammation in the nerves and disrupt brain development, with the greatest risk during pregnancy and early childhood.
This research comes as autism rates continue to rise globally
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Dr Haitham Amal, who heads the Laboratory of Neuromics at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, emphasised the significance of their findings.
"My lab has shown that nitric oxide plays a major role in ASD."
The research revealed that pollutants can directly enter the foetal brain during development.
These toxins may interrupt the production of crucial brain chemicals, including dopamine and norepinephrine, which are essential for decision-making and brain development.
The team's findings suggest that when pollutants are breathed in, they can bypass the brain's protective barriers.
This intrusion causes inflammation and alters the way nerves function and develop during critical developmental stages.
The Hebrew University research team is among the first to establish a connection between common air pollutants and autism spectrum disorders.
