Autism and Particulate Air Matter

Autism and Particulate Air Matter

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By Samuel Mckenzie, BScReviewed by Dr. Liji Thomas, MD

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• What is particulate matter?
• Particulate matter and disease
• Particulate matter and autism

Fine and ultrafine particulate matter contains many compounds that can have a toxic effect on the body. Therefore, it is no surprise that particulate matter is associated with the development of several health conditions such as atherosclerosis, type II diabetes, and even autism.

What is particulate matter?

Fine particulate matter (FPM) or fine particles are tiny particles/droplets in the air. These particles are categorized based on their physicochemical properties such as size. Size-based categories include: <10 μM particulate matter (PM10), <2.5 μM particulate matter (PM2.5), and <0.1 μM particulate matter (PM0.1; this group is also known as ultrafine particles [UFPs]).