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Wildfire smoke in late pregnancy linked to higher autism risk (Level A1) — a little girl wearing a face mask on a plane

Wildfire smoke in late pregnancy linked to higher autism riskCEFR A1

2 Feb 2026

LevelA1
A2
B1
B2

Adapted from Andrew Yawn-Tulane, Futurity • CC BY 4.0

Photo by Jack Wu, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
72 words
  • A new study looks at wildfire smoke and pregnancy.
  • The research used many births in Southern California.
  • If a mother breathed smoke in the last months, risk rose.
  • Children were more often diagnosed with autism by age five.
  • The effect was stronger after many days with smoke.
  • Wildfire smoke has tiny particles and toxic metals.
  • More boys than girls were diagnosed with autism.
  • Scientists say more study is needed to be sure.

Difficult words

  • pregnancy — time when a woman carries a baby
  • research — careful study to find new information
  • diagnose — to say what illness a person has
    diagnosed
  • autism — a condition that affects social and communication skills
  • particle — a very small piece of matter
    particles
  • toxic — harmful and dangerous to people or animals

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Have you ever smelled smoke from a wildfire?
  • Do you think people should stay inside when there is smoke?
  • Would you try to avoid smoke during pregnancy?

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