Wildfire smoke in California tied to autism risk; Beckham feud
A new study of more than 200,000 Southern California births finds prenatal exposure to wildfire smoke, especially in the third trimester, is associated with a higher likelihood of autism diagnosis in children. Researchers estimated exposure using modeled PM2.5 levels at home addresses and found the strongest link during multi-day smoke stretches: about 10% higher risk after 1 to 5 smoky days, 12% higher after 6 to 10 days, and 23% higher after more than 10 days. Experts emphasize the effect size is modest, the study cannot prove cause and effect, and limitations include unknown indoor exposure and protective steps like air filters or masks.
Also today, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham publicly says he does not want to reconcile with his family, alleging his parents and their team “attacked” him and his wife, Nicola Peltz Beckham, in the press. Sir David Beckham has not directly responded to the claims, but speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he addressed social media generally and said children are “allowed to make mistakes.”
New research tracking more than 200,000 births in Southern California links prenatal exposure to wildfire smoke to a higher likelihood of autism diagnosis, with the strongest association in the third trimester. Using modeled PM2.5 at home addresses, the study reports roughly a 10% higher risk after 1 to 5 smoky days, 12% higher after 6 to 10 days, and 23% higher after more than 10 days. Experts stress the effect size is modest and the findings do not prove causation, especially because indoor exposure and protective steps like air filters are hard to measure. Separately, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham says he does not want to reconcile with his family, alleging press attacks on him and Nicola Peltz Beckham. Sir David Beckham has not directly addressed the claims.
Topics Covered
- 🔬 What the California PM2.5 study finds about third-trimester wildfire smoke exposure
- 📊 The risk estimates by number of smoky days and why dose-response questions matter
- 🏙️ Practical steps families can take during smoke events, from indoor air to local guidance
- 🎭 Brooklyn Peltz Beckham’s public statement and what it means for the Beckham brand story
