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Exposure assessment
Original article
The CHARGE study: an assessment of parental occupational exposures and autism spectrum disorder
Erin C McCanlies1, Claudia C Ma1, Ja Kook Gu1, Desta Fekedulegn1, Wayne T Sanderson2, Yunin J Ludeña-Rodriguez3, Irva Hertz-Picciotto3
Author affiliations
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study is to determine if parental occupational exposure to 16 agents is associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Methods Demographic, health and parental occupational data were collected as part of the CHildhood Autism Risks from Genetics and Environment study. The workplace exposure assessment was conducted by two experienced industrial hygienists for the parents of 537 children with ASD and 414 typically developing (TD) children. For each job, frequency and intensity of 16 agents were assessed and both binary and semi-quantitative cumulative exposure variables were derived. Logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to assess associations between parental occupational exposures 3 months pre-pregnancy until birth.
Results The OR of ASD in the children of mothers exposed to any solvents was 1.5 times higher than the mothers of TD children (95% CI=1.01–2.23). Cumulative exposure indicated that the OR associated with a moderate level of solvent exposure in mothers was 1.85 (95% CI=1.09, 3.15) for children with ASD compared with TD children. No other exposures were associated with ASD in mothers, fathers or the parents combined.
Conclusion Maternal occupational exposure to solvents may increase the risk for ASD. These results are consistent with a growing body of evidence indicating that environmental and occupational exposures may be associated with ASD. Future research should consider specific types of solvents, larger samples and/or different study designs to evaluate other exposures for potential associations with ASD.
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Repercussão na Austrália: Exposição materna a solventes ligada a
Workplace solvent exposure has been linked to autism.
A major study conducted by US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Health Effects Laboratory has found that women exposed to solvents, were up to 1.5 times more likely to have a child higher on the autism spectrum when compared to those who do not.
In the study, solvents refers to degreasers, paint chemicals and so on.
The research joins a growing body of research suggesting that the work life of a parent closely affects the health and well-being of newborn babies.
Previous research shows metals like lead, mercury, arsenic and manganese are neurotoxic and affect developing brains, and that maternal and childhood exposure were associated with lower IQ, behavioural issues and cognitive dysfunction, the researchers say.
Currently one in 68 children are placed on the autism spectrum, but this rate has been slowly increasing.
It's worth stating that many people who experience autism, experience is a positive that enriches their lives, however the link between a new parents work life and their children's health is an interesting one that will be interesting to follow as it is explored into the future.
Source: www.ohsalert.com.au/nl06_news_selected.php?act=2&stream=2&selkey=55288&hlc=2&hlw=