A new study conducted in the United States has proven that parental exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace before and during pregnancy increases the risk of their children developing autism and is associated with some behavioral changes in affected children. Autism is a neurological disorder that leads to impairments in social functions and communication skills in children, along with repetitive behaviors, with severity and symptoms varying from case to case. The study, published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, examined the occupational history of parents of autistic children three months before and during pregnancy, measuring exposure to about 16 chemicals including plastics, polymers, disinfectants, medications, and automotive fluids. Researchers also assessed the severity of autism symptoms in children using specialized criteria for behavioral, cognitive, and daily skills.

They found that parental exposure to plastics and polymers is linked to cognitive impairment, adaptation difficulties, and behavioral problems such as social isolation and hyperactivity. Exposure to chemicals like ethylene oxide, used for sterilization, increased autism symptom severity and deterioration in daily life skills. Phenol exposure was linked to increased autism symptoms and behavioral issues such as repetitive movements and hyperactivity. Irene McNelis, lead researcher at the University of California Davis, stated that these findings suggest parental exposure to certain workplace chemicals may increase the likelihood of autism and symptom severity in children. Researchers emphasized the need for further studies to understand the impact of parental exposure on autism risk, highlighting the importance of including both fathers and mothers in reproductive health and neurodevelopment research.