Researchers published the study in Environmental Science & Technology after analysing more than 200,000 births in Southern California. They looked at exposure to wildfire smoke during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester or last three months.
Children whose mothers had smoke exposure in that period were more likely to be diagnosed with autism by age five. The strongest link was for mothers exposed to more than ten days of wildfire smoke in the final three months; in that group children had a 23% higher risk compared with those never exposed. The authors caution the result does not prove cause and say more research is needed.
Difficult words
- exposure — contact with something that may harm healthsmoke exposure
- wildfire smoke — smoke from large uncontrolled outdoor fires
- trimester — a three-month period of pregnancythird trimester
- diagnose — to say what illness someone hasdiagnosed
- risk — the chance that something bad happens
- caution — to warn someone to be careful
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What do the authors say is needed after this study?
- Why is the third trimester important in this research?
- Would you tell a pregnant friend about these findings? Why or why not?
Related articles
AI is changing basic health care in sub‑Saharan Africa
Artificial intelligence is already helping basic medical care in parts of sub‑Saharan Africa. Pilot projects in Kenya, Ghana and Rwanda show faster diagnosis, fewer wrong prescriptions and quicker delivery of blood and imaging results.
Brain differences in WTC responders with PTSD
New imaging research of World Trade Center responders finds measurable brain structure differences linked to long-term PTSD. Researchers used gray-white contrast (GWC) MRI and other markers to distinguish responders with and without PTSD.
