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.