Many expecting parents focus on healthy food, sleep, and vitamins before welcoming a child into the world. But scientists are increasingly examining whether a mother’s work environment may also influence a baby’s development long before birth.
A major international study led by researchers from Johns Hopkins University has now uncovered a striking link between certain professions and a higher likelihood of autism in children. The findings were published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, reports Illustreret Videnskab.
Jobs under focus
The research team analyzed data from more than 110,000 Danish children born between 1973 and 2012. Among them, 1,702 had been diagnosed with autism.
According to the study, women working in jobs involving high stress levels or regular exposure to chemicals and pollution showed a noticeably increased risk of having children later diagnosed with autism.
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The strongest association was found among women employed in military-related roles, while transport workers also showed elevated numbers compared with other professions.
Possible causes
Researchers believe several workplace exposures may help explain the findings. Military environments can involve contact with fuel fumes, industrial solvents, and heavy metals linked to ammunition.
Transport workers may face daily exposure to diesel emissions and air pollution from traffic.
The scientists stress that the study does not prove these jobs directly cause autism. However, they say the results add to growing evidence that stress and chemical exposure during pregnancy could affect fetal brain development.
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More research ahead
The findings remained significant even after researchers adjusted for factors such as smoking, mental health history, age, and social background.
The World Health Organization estimates that around one in 127 people globally are on the autism spectrum, although experts believe many cases still go undiagnosed.
Researchers now hope future studies will identify which specific workplace factors may have the greatest impact during pregnancy.
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