Environmental and occupational exposures and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in New England

At a glance

A case-control study evaluating environment/occupational exposures and ALS development in New England

Affiliates

Angeline S. Andrew1,2, Tracie A. Caller3, Rup Tandan4, Eric J. Duell5, Patricia L. Henegan2, Nicholas C. Field2, Walter G. Bradley5, Elijah W. Stommel2

  1. Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
  2. Department of Neurology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
  3. Medical Specialty Clinic, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
  4. Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Medical Center
  5. Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miam
  6. iCancer Epidemiology Research Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology

Journal

Neurodegenerative Diseases

Summary

This case-control study sought to evaluate environmental and occupational exposures as risk factors for sporadic ALS. Survey responses from 295 PALS were compared to 225 controls without neurodegenerative illness. There was an observed risk of ALS amongst people who worked with one or more toxicants: pesticides, solvents, or heavy metals. Moreover, industries with higher toxicant exposure potential (constructions, manufacturing, mechanical, military, or painting) were associated with an elevated occupational risk. Lastly, there was an increased risk of ALS associated with frequent participation in water sports, particularly waterskiing.

Link to paper

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Content Source:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry