Overview
- Peer-reviewed research in Environmental Science & Technology analyzed more than 200,000 births in Southern California from 2006 to 2014.
- Children were roughly 10% more likely to receive an autism diagnosis after 1–5 smoky days in the third trimester, 12% after 6–10 days, and 23% after more than 10 days.
- The association was clearest among mothers who did not move during pregnancy, suggesting more consistent exposure at a single residence.
- Exposure was modeled using wildfire-related fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at home addresses, and the study lacked data on indoor air filtration, mask use, or behavior changes.
- Researchers describe the work as the first to specifically examine prenatal wildfire smoke and autism, calling for replication, mechanistic studies, and practical mitigation guidance as wildfire events increase.