Autism Spectrum Disorders and Hazardous Air Pollutants in the San Francisco Bay Area
Author Information
Author(s): Windham Gayle C., Zhang Lixia, Gunier Robert, Croen Lisa A., Grether Judith K.
Primary Institution: California Department of Health Services
Hypothesis
Is there an association between autism spectrum disorders and environmental exposures to hazardous air pollutants?
Conclusion
The study suggests a potential association between autism and estimated metal concentrations, and possibly solvents, in ambient air around the birth residence.
Supporting Evidence
- Children with autism were more likely to live in areas with higher levels of hazardous air pollutants.
- The study found elevated odds ratios for autism associated with exposure to metals and chlorinated solvents.
- Demographic factors such as maternal age and education were adjusted for in the analysis.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether kids with autism were more likely to live near certain air pollutants. It found that higher levels of some metals in the air might be linked to autism.
Methodology
The study linked autism surveillance data with hazardous air pollutant concentrations, using a case-control design with 284 children with autism and 657 controls.
Potential Biases
The study may be subject to uncontrolled confounding due to lack of data on maternal conditions or habits.
Limitations
The exposure estimates are based on modeled data rather than personal measurements, and there may be misclassification of exposure.
Participant Demographics
Participants included children born in 1994 in the San Francisco Bay area, with a male:female ratio of 4:1.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 1.1–2.1
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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