Pollution Exposure during Pregnancy and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Presenter

Samantha Anne Mustain

Campus

Springfield Technical Community College

Sponsor

Reena Randhir, Department of Biology, Springfield Technical Community College

Schedule

Session 4, 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board C33, Poster Showcase Room (163), Row 4 (C31-C40) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly believed to occur due to genetic and environmental factors. The objective of my research is to understand the exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and its effect on the development of ASD in the child using scientific literature review. A Swedish study with 40,245 subjects between the years of 2000 and 2009  were evaluated to determine which specific pollutants may have the strongest correlation. Ambient particulate matter that were studied were from heating units in home and industry, automotive exhaust, and traffic emissions. Furthermore, smoking, socioeconomic class, body mass index, and other factors were also considered. The findings of my research indicate that air pollution causes an increased percent of children diagnosed with ASD, with the exception of residential heating. Positive aspects of this study include a large population sample size, with limitations including missing information from local databases leading to a push for future related research. Future research towards understanding the correlation between pollution and ASD may support new projects that can help combat pollution. We need to raise awareness of air quality in our own city and programs such as the Pioneer Valley Healthy Air Network keep our residents informed. In order to reduce air pollution we have to embrace clean energy, reduce emissions, drive policy changes, use clean transportation and plant more trees to protect human health. 

Keywords

Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, pollution, pregnancy

Research Area

Public Health and Epidemiology

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