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Beyond what scientists already know about environmental factors

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This week the ASF Podcast explores two ways to better understand the environmental influences in ASD diagnosis: 1. through potential cost savings of avoided cases of ASD due to reduced air pollution and 2. by studying pre-conception exposures going back as far as the grandparents exposure. These two concepts do not prove any one thing, including one environmental factor, causes ASD, however, using these approaches may improve understanding of ASD and allow for legislation that improves many health outcomes in children. Below are the two references:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32749866/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32704384/

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Why the Environmental Protection Agency is important for autism

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The Environmental Protection Agency has a big job to do – keep our air and water clean.  They do so, in part, with air monitors placed across the United States which allow researchers to keep tabs on what is going on in our air.  This week, a study from Dr. Amy Kalkbrenner at UWM and colleagues replicated that certain types of air pollution increased risk of autism, as well as increased symptoms of severity of autism in those with a diagnosis.   These pollutants come from cars, but also coal burning power plants.  This new research calls for more action, not less, by the crucial staff and infrastructure of the EPA and policy to help support them do it.  #standwithEPA

https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/ehp1867/