Researchers also said increased exposure to air pollution, such as sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, worsens symptoms of ALS. (image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 15 (Korea Bizwire) – Exposure to ultrafine dust, known as a class one carcinogen, worsens symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, a study showed Tuesday.
The disease, rare in the general population with an occurrence rate of 2 cases per 100,000 people, causes paralysis and respiratory distress, and eventually death as the brain gradually loses its ability to communicate with the muscles.
The study showed more frequent visits were made to emergency rooms at general hospitals in Seoul by a total of 617 people suffering from ALS between 2008 and 2014.
The risk rate of ALS patients visiting emergency rooms increased as the concentration of ultrafine particles, smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, in Seoul surged, the latest findings showed.
The study was conducted by a joint team of researchers from Seoul National University (SNU), Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and SNU Graduate School of Public Health.
“The study showed a correlation between fine dust and Lou Gehrig’s disease,” said Lee Hye-won, one of the researchers. “It is similar to the existing study that showed smoking can cause Lou Gehrig’s disease.”
Researchers also said increased exposure to air pollution, such as sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, worsens symptoms of ALS.
Lee noted that patients suffering from other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, need to be extra careful when Seoul has high levels of ultrafine dust.
Emergency measures were in effect for the third consecutive day Tuesday to minimize air pollution as the country combats a dense haze. The daily average level of pollution surged to the highest figure since the government began taking such measurements in 2015.
The research was published in the latest edition of Environment International, a multidisciplinary journal publishing information on a wide range of environmental disciplines.
(Yonhap)
