New Study Links Autistic Spectrum Disorders to Mom’s Smoking, Poor Indoor Ventilation

Earlier studies have reported that exposures of lead, mercury, pesticides and hazardous waste dumps to pregnant women or small children are associated with higher rates of autistic spectrum disorders.  Other exposures may also play a role in the development of autism, Asperger’s disorder and other related autistic spectrum disorders.  A recent study of 4,779 Swedish children aged 1 to 6 years of age reported that the following environmental exposures were linked to significantly higher rates of autistic spectrum disorders: 1) Mother’s smoking either during or after pregnancy, 2) poor ventilation in home and 3) exposure to PVC= poly vinyl chloride flooring.  This study is now in press in Neurotoxicology.    Other studies have linked smoking in the home, poor home ventilation and PCV floors to significantly higher rates of asthma and/or wheezing in children.

(Please also note my earlier piece on increasing prevalence of autistic spectrum disorders.)