Exposure to Environmental Pesticides and the Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Population-Based Case-Control Study

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in communication, social interactions, and repetitive behaviors. Although the factors that influence the development of this condition are unknown, certain chemical compounds such as pesticides have been pro...

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Published in:Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Lithuania), 2024-03, Vol.60 (3), p.479
Main Authors: Román, Pablo, Ruiz-González, Cristofer, Rueda-Ruzafa, Lola, Cardona, Diana, Requena, Mar, Alarcón, Raquel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agricultural commodities
Agricultural management
Agriculture
Autism
autism spectrum disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder - chemically induced
Autism Spectrum Disorder - epidemiology
Autistic Disorder
Behavior
Case-Control Studies
Crop diseases
Crops
environmental exposure
Environmental Exposure - adverse effects
Enzymes
Epidemiology
Female
Fruits
Fungicides
Greenhouses
Health aspects
Humans
Insecticides
Male
Microbiota
Neurobiology
Permethrin
Pesticides
Pesticides - toxicity
prevalence
Risk factors
Social aspects
Spinosad
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Summary:Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in communication, social interactions, and repetitive behaviors. Although the factors that influence the development of this condition are unknown, certain chemical compounds such as pesticides have been proposed as possible contributors. Due to the lack of an established causal link between pesticide exposure and ASD, this study aimed to evaluate this potential association. : A case-control study was carried out to ascertain the prevalence and risk associated with ASD in relation to pesticide exposure over a 21-year study period (2000-2021). : We included 2821 individuals diagnosed with ASD residing in areas of both high and low pesticide exposure in southern Spain. There was a rise in the ASD prevalence rate in regions with elevated pesticide use when compared to regions with low use [odds ratio (OR): 1.34, 95% confidence interval (CI), (1.24-1.44)]. Notably, men had the highest likelihood, with an OR: 1.42, 95% CI, (1.30-1.55). Furthermore, after performing multiple binary logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, and geographical area, males exhibited a higher likelihood compared to females [OR: 2.41, 95% CI, (2.21-2.62)]. : Overall, this research suggests a connection between heightened environmental pesticide exposure due to increased agricultural use and autism.
ISSN:1648-9144
1010-660X
1648-9144
DOI:10.3390/medicina60030479