Sulfur Dioxide Exposure Linked to 23% Higher ALS Risk, Study Finds

According to a study published in the journal Environmental Research on 2025-10-01, long-term exposure to sulfur dioxide, a pollutant released during the combustion of oil, gas, and mining activities, increases the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by 23%.

The research was launched in response to a spike in ALS cases observed at a clinic in New Brunswick, Canada. Lead author Daniel Saucier, who holds a master's degree in diagnostic methods for ALS, compared 304 individuals with the disease to 1,207 healthy individuals of the same age and sex. The study used records of environmental pollutants connected to the participants' areas of residence.

Saucier told ABC News that "it looked like air pollution was potentially related to the increased cases of ALS in New Brunswick, with sulfur dioxide appearing to be the one that had a significant association of ALS." The study found that people exposed to sulfur dioxide over long periods had a 23% higher risk of developing the debilitating neurological condition.

While Canada's clean air guidelines were met in all study areas, the research identified a significant health association between sulfur dioxide exposure and ALS risk. The authors concluded that preventive strategies will be needed to protect public health.

Harmful pollutants like sulfur dioxide are released during the extraction and use of coal, oil, and gas. As the world transitions to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear, health risks from these dirty fuels will decrease, and heat-trapping pollutants will be reduced.