Little is known about risk factors for ALS ; 90%-95% of cases are sporadic. We linked USEPA modeled AP data to residences of ALS cases and controls to explore relationships of AP, especially particulate matter (PM) and other ambient air toxics and risk of ALS.  

Of 280 cases recruited by the ALS Registry/Biorepository, the current analysis includes cases and controls matched by age, gender, and county, with blood specimens for separate pesticide analysis.  USEPA modeled AP estimates (PM_2.5 and O₃) for 2002-2015 and NATA (National Air Toxics Assessment) data for 2011 and 2014 were linked to the census tract centroid of the individual’s ZCTA residence.  NATA compounds represent five classes: volatile organics, chlorinated hydrocarbons, pesticides, metals, and other hazardous air pollutants. Matched pair analysis and multivariate conditional analysis will be performed with adjustment and the study is ongoing.   

This is the first study to consider both AP and neurotoxicant exposures at a national level in cases and controls that can be correlated with serum levels of the same neurotoxicants.