Environmental and occupational risk factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A case-control study

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Background/Aims: Environmental and occupational exposures are implicated as risk factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the etiology of which is largely unknown, although no causal relationships have been established. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the associations of personal risk factors and self-reported environmental and occupational exposures with risk of ALS. Methods: The cases involved ALS patients (n = 66) identified from major neurological centers in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, Pa., USA, from 2008 to 2010. The age-, race-and sex-matched controls included outpatient hospital and population-based controls (n = 66). A detailed questionnaire obtaining data on occupation, vocational and avocational exposure as well as personal lifestyle factors was administered. Results: Occupational exposure to metals (odds ratio, OR = 3.65; 95% CI: 1.15, 11.60) and pesticides (OR = 6.50; 95% CI: 1.78, 23.77) was related to increased risk of ALS after controlling for smoking and education. No associations were found for occupational exposure to organic or aromatic solvents. Conclusion: Workers exposed to metals and pesticides may be at greater risk of ALS. Future research should involve more accurate exposure assessment through the use of job exposure matrices, confirmation of occupation and biomarkers. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Keywords

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Environmental exposure, Epidemiology, Occupational exposure, Risk factors

Publication Date

1-1-2014

Publication Title

Neurodegenerative Diseases

ISSN

16602854

E-ISSN

16602862

Volume

14

Issue

1

First Page

31

Last Page

38

PubMed ID

24246552

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1159/000355344

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