Researchers at UCLA have discovered a link between cases of autism in Los Angeles County and air pollution caused mostly by freeway traffic in the area, including that of the Pacific Coast Highway running through Malibu.
The study, published March 1 in Environmental Health Perspectives, looked at 7,603 children ages 3-5 who were diagnosed with autism during 1998-2009 and found associations between the disorder and pregnant women living in Los Angles County. The researchers worked closely with the California Department of Developmental Services and other agencies to identify children for the study.
The researchers — Tracy Ann Becerra, Michelle Wilhelm, Jørn Olsen, Myles Cockburn and Beate Ritz — used a land-use regression model of statistical analysis and data from ambient air pollutant monitoring stations positioned throughout L.A. County.
Also, if 4-axle trucks had been permitted on PCH during the last 30 years, there would have been more local pollution. Credit the residents in getting that big-truck ban established years ago -- albeit for safety reasons. Lastly, with the ongoing ocean breezes in Malibu, is there something in the ocean air contributing to any measurement from Malibu?
The study doesn't mention PCH. Or Malibu. The study DOES mention lower socio-economic strata, which implies families who have to live near the big freeways and smog sources in LA. Not Malibu. This story is far beyond sensationalism, it is just plain a misrepresentation of the facts.
It appears the author is a regional editor for Patch, and went around from site to site and plugged in local landmarks into a boilerplate article about a countywide study. "Study Links Autism to 210 Freeway Traffic: - Glendora Patch "Study Links Autism to 10, 405 Freeway Traffic" - Cul;ver City Patch Etc. etc.
http://brentwood.patch.com/users/jared-morgan After thwe first few along the 210 freeway, you will see the headline change with different freeways, none of which is in the story. The story shows correlation, not causation. He decided to make his own ideas up, then make ot personal for each community. LIE, LIE LIE!!!!!!