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Study Links Wildfire Smoke to Increased Autism Risk

1/22/2026

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Researchers Link Wildfire Smoke

Tulane University researchers report that exposure to wildfire smoke during the third trimester may increase autism risk in children.
The analysis covered more than 200,000 births in Southern California from 2006 to 2014.
They found a 23% higher autism diagnosis risk for children whose mothers experienced more than 10 days of wildfire smoke.
The study notes no direct causal relationship and calls for further research amid rising wildfire activity.

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Researchers Dismiss Paracetamol Risks

A new study from City St George's, University of London, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women's Health, finds that paracetamol during pregnancy does not raise autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability risk in children.
The review covers 43 studies, including sibling comparisons, and addresses concerns raised by U.S. health officials.
Researchers say earlier links likely reflect maternal factors rather than paracetamol itself.

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Researchers Link Wildfire Smoke

Tulane University researchers report that exposure to wildfire smoke during the third trimester may increase autism risk in children.
The analysis covered more than 200,000 births in Southern California from 2006 to 2014.
They found a 23% higher autism diagnosis risk for children whose mothers experienced more than 10 days of wildfire smoke.
The study notes no direct causal relationship and calls for further research amid rising wildfire activity.

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