This study examined the association between autism and proximity
of residence to freeways and major roadways during pregnancy and
near the time of delivery, as a surrogate for air pollution
exposure. This research article, written by Heather E. Volk,
Irva Hertz-Picciotto, Lora Delwiche, Fred Lurmann, and Rob
McConnell* appeared first in Environmental Health
Perspectives—the peer-reviewed, open access journal of the
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. The article
is a verbatim version of the original and is not available for
edits or additions by Encyclopedia of Earth editors or authors.
Companion articles on the same topic that are editable may exist
within the Encyclopedia of Earth. Residential Proximity to
Freeways and Autism in the CHARGE Study Background: Little is
known about environmental causes and contributing factors for
autism. Basic science and epidemiologic research suggest that
oxidative stress and inflammation may play a role in disease
development. Traffic-related air pollution