A new study suggests that air pollution may increase the risk of autism.

A study suggested that air pollution, specifically the type found in car exhaust, could trigger autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders, although it had some limitations.

Multiple studies on autism and cellular activity were analyzed by a review led by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and the results were published in the journal Brain Medicine.

The researchers concentrated on examining four particular types of particles that contribute to air pollution, namely fine particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3).

The fetus's impact by these particles was also investigated in four different ways.

The study identified four ways that contribute to neurodegeneration: neuroinflammation, oxidative/nitrosative stress, epigenetic modifications, and disruptions to certain neurotransmitters.

The brain is negatively affected by key air pollutants such as fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and ozone, which can cause neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter imbalances.

During times of accelerated development, such as prenatal and early childhood periods, the risk is highest, according to Amal, a visiting professor at Boston Children's Hospital within Harvard Medical School.

According to Ghacibeh, the brain undergoes the most significant changes during the early years, from conception until around age 5, making it more vulnerable to external influences.

The same research team discovered in a 2023 study that nitric oxide (NO), a component of air pollution, is a "key pathological factor in autism," according to Amal.

The brain is most susceptible to external factors from conception until age 5, experts say.

Ghacibeh agreed that air pollution could increase autism risk.

If a pregnant mother or a young child inhales chemicals that enter their bloodstream and reach their brain, it can disrupt various metabolic pathways by directly interfering with chemical reactions inside cells or reducing oxygen delivery to the brain, according to the expert.

The doctor claims that interrupting the normal development process of the brain can cause brain cells to lose their normal functioning.

Ghacibeh stated that the mechanism would be similar to the effect of certain medications taken during pregnancy, which can cause developmental delays or autism in the child.

Study doesn’t prove cause

Amal acknowledged that the study had some limitations.

""To validate and prove the connection, extensive experiments should be conducted in our labs based on epidemiological studies," he said."

Ghacibeh agreed, noting that epidemiological studies prove association but not causality.

Amal suggests that future research should focus on understanding the effects of pollution on "genetically susceptible individuals" and developing strategies to safeguard those at highest risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism affects approximately 2.3% of children in the U.S., or one in 36, as of 2024.

This is an increase from one in 44 children two years ago.

The 2024 American Lung Association's State of the Air report indicates that air pollution is increasing and affects approximately 131.2 million people, or 39% of the U.S.

This is an increase of 11.7 million people from 2023.

He emphasized that using good air filters, particularly in areas with higher pollution levels, can help reduce risks.

According to Ghacibeh, a healthy diet and minimal exposure to smoking, alcohol, and drugs can promote optimal brain development and neurological health.

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The study was funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the Eagles Autism Foundation, which raises funds for innovative research and care programs, as stated on its website.

The Autism Foundation, Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation, and Autism Society were contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital for their comment on the study.