Parental Exposure to Workplace Chemicals Associated with Increased Autism Severity and Behavioral Challenges in Children

Recent research published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health highlights a concerning link between parental occupational chemical exposures and the severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) features in children. The study, conducted through collaboration between UC Davis and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), analyzed data from over 500 families within the CHARGE study, focusing on children already diagnosed with autism.

The investigation assessed both mothers' and fathers' job histories from three months before pregnancy through birth, estimating exposure to 16 specific chemicals, including plastics, disinfectants, car fluids, and medicines. These estimates were then correlated with the children’s autism severity scores, cognitive performance, and daily living skills.

Findings revealed that parental exposure to certain workplace chemicals is associated with more severe autism traits and behavioral issues. For instance, exposure to plastics and polymers like polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was linked to poorer cognitive function, reduced adaptive skills, and increased behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and social withdrawal. Additionally, exposure to ethylene oxide, often used for sterilization purposes, was associated with higher autism severity scores and weaker daily living skills. Phenol exposure correlated with increased autism severity and behaviors like hyperactivity and repetitive movements.

Dr. Erin McCanlies from NIOSH emphasized that these findings suggest workplace chemical exposures during critical developmental periods may influence autism severity and outcomes, not just the likelihood of developing autism itself. However, the researchers acknowledge limitations, including potential inaccuracies in exposure estimates and the small sample size for rarer exposures.

The study also underscores the importance of including fathers in research related to reproductive health and child development, as paternal exposures showed significant associations with cognitive deficits in children. Notably, exposures to plastics and polymers in fathers’ occupations correlated with lower motor skills, receptive and expressive language, and visual reception in children.

Overall, this research stresses that protecting workers from hazardous chemicals is vital not only for their health but also for the well-being of future generations. Further studies are essential to clarify causal relationships and explore prevention strategies for reducing environmental risk factors linked to autism and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-parental-workplace-chemical-exposure-linked.html