Wildfire Smoke During Pregnancy Linked to Higher Autism Risk, Study Finds

A new study published in Environmental Science and Technology reports that exposure to wildfire smoke during late pregnancy may increase the likelihood of autism in children. Researchers examined more than 200,000 mother-child pairs in Southern California from 2006 to 2014 and found that nearly 60% of mothers experienced at least five days of wildfire smoke exposure while pregnant. Those exposed during the third trimester were more likely to have a child diagnosed with autism by age five.

The study also found that prenatal exposure to fine particulate air pollution from multiple sources—not only wildfires—was associated with elevated autism risk. As climate change drives more frequent and intense wildfires, researchers stress the importance of understanding these health impacts. They emphasize the need for stronger air quality protections and targeted policies to safeguard pregnant women and reduce long-term health inequalities linked to pollution exposure.

10-02-2026