Health · Medical Research · 2 hrs ago
Pregnancy exposure to wildfire smoke linked to higher autism risk
A study found that wildfire smoke exposure during pregnancy was linked to higher autism risk in children.
Researchers tracked more than 893,000 children covered by Medicaid in the United States from 2007 to 2014.
They estimated mothers’ exposure to wildfire smoke using air-quality data, and the link was strongest after the 15th week of pregnancy.
Each 0.75 microgram-per-cubic-meter increase in wildfire-related particle pollution was associated with a 30% higher risk of a later autism diagnosis.
The study found no link with ADHD, and it cannot establish that smoke exposure caused autism.
Fine particles can reach deep into the lungs, and researchers said they may affect fetal development, but more studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Pregnant people are advised to check local air-quality alerts and follow public-health guidance, such as staying indoors or using air filtration when pollution is high.
A study found that wildfire-smoke exposure during pregnancy was associated with a higher likelihood of an autism diagnosis in children.
Each increase of 0.75 micrograms per cubic meter in wildfire-related particle pollution was associated with a 30% higher risk of a later autism diagnosis.
The association was strongest for exposure after the 15th week of pregnancy, particularly during the second and third trimesters.
Researchers found no link between wildfire-smoke exposure and ADHD in the study.
The researchers said further studies are needed to confirm the association and understand possible effects.
- Who
- Researchers led by Stefania Papatheodorou at Rutgers School of Public Health studied more than 893,000 children covered by Medicaid.
- What
- The study found an association between prenatal wildfire-smoke exposure and a higher likelihood of an autism diagnosis. It found no association with ADHD.
- When
- The children were covered by Medicaid between 2007 and 2014. The study was reported on October 26, 2026.
- Where
- The study was conducted in the United States using Medicaid records and air-quality data.
- Why
- Researchers said wildfire-smoke particles may contribute to inflammation and could affect fetal development, but further studies are needed.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Researchers tracked autism and ADHD diagnoses among more than 893,000 children covered by Medicaid.
Researchers reported the study in JAMA Pediatrics.
Rutgers issued a press release about the study.
- Study population
- More than 893,000 children covered by Medicaid
- Study period
- 2007–2014
- Increase in particle pollution
- 0.75 micrograms per cubic meter
- Associated increase in autism risk
- 30%
- Stronger association
- Exposure after the 15th week of pregnancy
What people are saying
Wildfire smoke can travel far beyond the communities where fires are burning, and exposure can occur even when the smoke is not visible
Our findings highlight the importance of being aware of wildfire events and their potential effects on air quality during pregnancy
Further studies are needed to confirm the association and better understand the potential effects of wildfire smoke