The Relationship Between Air Pollution and Autism in Children: A Systematic Review
Margaret Castiglia
Stuyvesant High School, New York City, United States
Publication date: July 14, 2025
Stuyvesant High School, New York City, United States
Publication date: July 14, 2025
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2025I21
ABSTRACT
Rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been increasing in children while the amount of air pollution has been rising, especially along major highways, cities, and other heavily polluted areas. Some studies found on the databases Google Scholar and PubMed show that there is an association between rates of ASD in children, their mothers’ exposure to air pollution, and their exposure to air pollution in prenatal stages and during early childhood development stages. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines using predetermined search terms, such as "autism" and “pollution” in databases resulting in 2,566 articles, which yielded 19 included articles.
Rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been increasing in children while the amount of air pollution has been rising, especially along major highways, cities, and other heavily polluted areas. Some studies found on the databases Google Scholar and PubMed show that there is an association between rates of ASD in children, their mothers’ exposure to air pollution, and their exposure to air pollution in prenatal stages and during early childhood development stages. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines using predetermined search terms, such as "autism" and “pollution” in databases resulting in 2,566 articles, which yielded 19 included articles.
