Wildfires, air pollution, autism and the EPA response
From Autism Science Foundation Weekly Science Report by Autism Science Foundation
January 25, 2026 · 13 min
About this episode
This episode discusses the link between air pollution and autism, focusing on new studies and the EPA's response to air quality regulations.
Air pollution, specifically one part of air pollution called PM 2.5 (named for the size of the crud in the air pollution) has been linked to autism. It’s also been tied to cancer, heart disease, asthma, obesity, and premature births. Air pollution typically comes from industrial sources and car exhaust, but it can also be the result of smoke from wildfires. Four new studies this week link air pollution exposure during pregnancy to autism. The Environmental Protection Agency has responded by easing penalties on producers of this air pollution, making it much easier for everyone to be exposed to high levels of air pollution throughout their lives. This week’s podcast reviews the new evidence and examines new policies which will increase the burden of air pollution to families. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41547316 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41443491 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41271133 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41557972
People in this episode
Host: Autism Science Foundation
Topics covered
- air pollution
- autism
- wildfires
- EPA response
- health effects
- pregnancy exposure
Keywords
- air pollution
- autism
- EPA
- wildfires
- PM 2.5
- health risks
- pregnancy
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Environmental Protection Agency
Books & works: PM 2.5
Places: United States
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