Air pollution may be linked to greater risk of Parkinson’s disease

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Author: Saskia MairPublished: 27 May 2021

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A busy road of traffic clouds with exhaust fumes.

A study from researchers in South Korea suggests that exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), a gas associated with car and power plant emissions, could increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease.

Using Korean National Health Insurance Service data, the researchers identified 78,830 participants above age 40 who had lived in Seoul during a certain time frame – and had not been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease before 2006. During the study period of January 2007 to December 2015, 338 of the participants were diagnosed with the condition.

The team then used participant addresses to determine the degree of air pollution exposure. The analysis revealed that those with the highest NO₂ exposure had a “statistically significant” greater risk of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

“These findings suggest that regulation of air pollutants might reduce the incidence of Parkinson’s disease,” wrote the researchers, “advocating for the need to implement a targeted public health policy.”

Find out more about the study on air pollution and Parkinson’s disease.

For more information on the latest Parkinson’s disease research, please visit Parkinson’s Europe website.

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Air pollution may be linked to greater risk of Parkinson’s disease

News

Author: Saskia MairPublished: 27 May 2021

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

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Special reports

Ask the expert: Can environmental factors cause Parkinson’s?

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Environment and genetics could be key factors in causing Parkinson’s

Special reports

Age, smoking and lack of fitness increase risk of Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

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Air pollution may be linked to greater risk of Parkinson’s disease

News

Author: Saskia MairPublished: 27 May 2021

Last Month

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Share this story

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Special reports

Ask the expert: Can environmental factors cause Parkinson’s?

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Environment and genetics could be key factors in causing Parkinson’s

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Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

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