Scientists link autism with traffic pollution

The research suggests that even for moderately busy roads the risk was doubled
The research suggests that even for moderately busy roads the risk was doubled
ANDREAS RENTZ/GETTY IMAGES

Early exposure to traffic pollution could be linked to the risk of developing autism, a study has claimed.

Children living near busy roads during the first year of their life or while in the womb were three times more likely to have the disorder compared with those in unpolluted areas, scientists from the University of Southern California said. Even for moderately busy roads the risk was doubled.

The study, published in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry, looked at 500 children, 279 of whom had developed autism. Their addresses were compared to proximity to major roads and air pollution. Although the condition is generally considered to be strongly genetic, environmental background could play an important role.

Dr Heather Volk, from the University of Southern