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Study Links Wildfire Smoke Exposure to Higher Autism Risk

1/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A study in Environmental Science & Technology links wildfire smoke exposure during pregnancy in California to higher autism risk in children.
The study found a 10% increase for 1–5 days and 23% for over 10 days, especially in the last trimester.
The analysis used health records from more than 200,000 births in Southern California (2006–2014).
Senior author Mostafijur Rahman said autism and wildfires are rising, underscoring the need for further study.

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Story summary

A study in Environmental Science & Technology links wildfire smoke exposure during pregnancy in California to higher autism risk in children.
The study found a 10% increase for 1–5 days and 23% for over 10 days, especially in the last trimester.
The analysis used health records from more than 200,000 births in Southern California (2006–2014).
Senior author Mostafijur Rahman said autism and wildfires are rising, underscoring the need for further study.