air quality

Air Pollution Linked to Increased ALS Risk, New Research suggests

Jakarta, Indonesia – Long-term ‌exposure⁣ to air⁢ pollution, even at levels currently​ deemed safe by official air‍ quality standards, may significantly increase the risk of⁢ developing Amyotrophic Lateral ​Sclerosis (ALS), according to ⁣a ⁢new​ study published by science‍ Alert on Monday, June 10, 2025. ⁤The research highlights a notably strong connection between sulfur dioxide and the ⁢neurodegenerative disease.

The study ‍found that exposure to sulfur ​dioxide before the onset of ALS‌ symptoms was more influential than exposure after diagnosis, suggesting nerve ⁤damage‌ reaches ​a point of no⁣ return early⁢ in the ‍disease process. This marks the first research to specifically ⁢link ​higher levels of ambient ⁤sulfur dioxide in‍ residential areas to⁢ an increased risk of ALS.

Previously, nitrogen dioxide, a​ byproduct of burning⁤ fossil fuels,‍ was also investigated for ​a potential link ⁤to ALS. However, analysis factoring in ​socioeconomic variables revealed no direct connection.

ALS, a‌ rare disease affecting approximately one to two people per 100,000 worldwide annually, causes progressive paralysis, ultimately leading to ​the loss of movement, speech,⁤ and breathing. Most patients succumb‍ to⁤ respiratory failure within three ⁤years of ‌diagnosis.

While​ the ‍exact causes of ALS remain unknown, the disease is not⁤ typically linked to family history, indicating genetic factors⁣ alone ⁣are insufficient to explain its development. Identified risk factors include specific genetic mutations and ⁤intense​ physical activity, but the overall picture remains ⁢unclear.

Researchers ‌now​ believe‌ ALS likely arises‌ from ⁢a complex interplay of environmental‍ and biological factors.‌ This new study strengthens the⁢ argument that⁢ air pollution is a notable contributing factor,‌ potentially ‌triggering the nerve damage characteristic of the‍ disease. ⁤

Scientists are increasingly recognizing‌ that ⁢pollutants, including​ smog, ​may⁤ not only contribute to lung cancer and mental ‍health disorders but also play a​ role in⁢ neurodegenerative diseases like ALS.

The research team is calling for further investigation into the impact of pollutants on ALS risk ⁤and advocates for‌ stricter air⁣ quality regulations, particularly given the continued widespread use of fossil fuels.​ They emphasize the need for preventative public ‍health strategies to reduce air pollution exposure and protect public health.