Home / Health / Air Pollution Linked to ALS Risk: Study Reveals Shocking 30% Increase
Air Pollution Linked to ALS Risk: Study Reveals Shocking 30% Increase
24 Jan
Summary
- Air pollution exposure increases ALS risk by up to 30 percent.
- PM2.5, PM10, and nitrogen dioxide linked to faster disease progression.
- Sweden's cleaner air shows pollution's potential drastic effects in the US.
Exposure to common air pollutants may significantly elevate the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating neurodegenerative disease. A study conducted in Sweden, a country known for its relatively clean air, found that individuals exposed to pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, and nitrogen dioxide over a decade faced up to a 30 percent higher risk of developing ALS.
These microscopic particles and gases, emitted from burning fossil fuels and other sources, are believed to cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain and spinal cord. This can lead to the damage of neurons responsible for motor functions, a hallmark of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
The research further indicated that increased exposure to these pollutants was associated with a 34 percent faster progression of the disease. Experts suggest that these toxins may weaken the blood-brain barrier, making neurons more vulnerable.
Given Sweden's superior air quality compared to the US, the findings imply that populations in more polluted countries could face even greater risks. The US, for instance, has considerably higher levels of air pollution per capita than Sweden, suggesting a potentially more drastic impact on its citizens' health.
