Exposing pregnant women to dirty air and stress can increase the chances of boys being born with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

A study conducted by Duke University has identified a potential correlation between air pollution and stress exposure among expectant mothers, and baby boys developing neurological disorders such as autism.

The research, which focused on mice, points to a heightened risk of males being born predisposed to autism-like social behaviour and having differently wired brains. Nine in 10 people across the globe currently breathe polluted air, raising questions as to why autism rates remain significantly lower than worldwide air pollution exposure levels.

Read more...