Parents’ Workplace Chemical Exposure May Relate to Behavioral and Developmental Challenges in Children with Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social communication and interaction, restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior, and variable abilities in cognition and daily living. A recent study published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health examined whether parental workplace exposure to specific chemicals around the time of pregnancy is associated with autism severity and related functional outcomes among children already diagnosed with ASD.

This study analyzed data from the UC Davis CHARGE cohort and focused on more than 500 families with a child diagnosed with autism. Industrial hygienists reviewed parents’ job histories from three months before pregnancy through birth and estimated exposure to 16 classes of chemicals, including plastics and polymers (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride), ethylene oxide, phenols, disinfectants, solvents, and other agents. Children’s autism severity was measured using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd edition (ADOS-2) Calibrated Severity Score (a widely used clinical measure), and assessments included cognition, adaptive (daily living) skills, and behavior.

Main findings
– Parental exposures to plastics and polymers were linked with poorer cognitive performance and reduced adaptive skills in children with ASD, and with more behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and social withdrawal.
– Paternal exposure to plastics and polymers showed particularly strong associations with lower scores in fine motor, visual reception, receptive language, and expressive language.
– Exposure to ethylene oxide (a sterilizing agent) was associated with higher ADOS-2 severity scores and weaker daily living skills.
– Phenol exposures were associated with increased autism severity and behaviors such as hyperactivity and repetitive movements or vocalizations.