Prenatal Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter Components and Autism Risk in Childhood

Are prenatal and early-life exposures to fine particulate matter (PM) and its components associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in childhood, and do certain gestational periods represent sensitive windows for these associations?In this cohort study of 2 183 324 births in Ontario, Canada, higher prenatal exposures to sulfate and ammonium components of PM were statistically associated with increased ASD risk. The second and third trimesters appeared to be sensitive exposure windows.These findings suggest that exposure to sulfate and ammonium components of PM during the second and third trimesters are associated with increased ASD risk.

Corresponding Author: Éric Lavigne, PhD, Health Canada, 269 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0K9 (eric.lavigne@hc-sc.gc.ca).

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