A girl reads a book on her balcony as smoke rises from chimneys of a steel plant, on a hazy day in Quzhou, Zhejiang province April 3, 2014. China's plan for a market in air pollution permits promises to help clean up its air cheaply, but the move cou
A girl reads a book on her balcony as smoke rises from chimneys of a steel plant, on a hazy day in Quzhou, Zhejiang province April 3, 2014. China's plan for a market in air pollution permits promises to help clean up its air cheaply, but the move could prove just as useless as previous environmental policies unless the government stamps out lax enforcement and spotty data. Reuters

Recent studies may have found a link between the development of autism and exposure to pollution during pregnancy. Scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health conducted at study that has lead them to believe that exposure to pollution during pregnancy can cause damage to the foetus, which may lead to the development of autism later on.

The study, conducted by researchers at Harvard, analysed 245 children with autism and 1,522 children without autism. The circumstances and environmental factors surrounding during their mothers' pregnancy was also analysed; the data revealed that high levels of pollution, particularly particulate matter can be linked to the development of autism.

Researchers suggest that polluted matter like chemicals, carbon, etc., can enter the blood stream and spread throughout the body and cause immense damage to a foetus. Dr. Mark Weisskopf, the lead researcher, said, "The evidence base for a role for maternal exposure to air pollution increasing the risk of autism spectrum disorders is becoming quite strong."

Professor Frank Kelly at the King's College London also concurred with the findings of this study. He went on to state, "I think if it was this study by itself I wouldn't take much notice, but it's now the fifth that has come to the same conclusion. It is biologically plausible, the placenta is there to ensure the foetus has optimal supply of nutrients, but if chemicals are entering the mother's body then the foetus will have access to those too."

Although the study has not yet conclusively proved that high exposure to pollution causes autism, one cannot ignore the data that provides a solid link between the two. There are other factors that are required to be considered when analysing the cause of autism, one of them being genetic factors as well; however, it is important for pregnant women to not dismiss the recent evidence and remain cautious for their and their baby's good health.