Researchers from Canada have connected air pollution with an increase in the risk of new-onset epilepsy.
In a recent paper in the journal Epilepsia, Tresah Anataya and colleagues estimated the link of long-term exposure to elements of air pollution in Ontario residents and the risk of new-onset epilepsy.
The parts of air pollution investigated included fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone.
The research included 24,761 people who developed epilepsy over a six-year period between 2010 and 2016. Each person was matched with up to five controls (who did not develop epilepsy) based on age and sex. There were 118,692 controls in total.
The researchers found that particulate matter and ozone may be associated with an increased risk of new-onset epilepsy.
Neurologist at London Health Science Centre, Dr Jorge Burneo, said: “Our hope is that this research can help inform environmental policy and ensure there are adequate resources and health care for epilepsy in areas that have significant air pollution.”
Lead author Tresah Anataya added: “This research is important because it has the potential to drive changes that could ultimately reduce the number of new epilepsy cases.”
The researchers said there might have been “residual confounding” and stress that more is needed to look into specific air pollutants and epilepsy.
Previous research has also investigated the effects of climate change and pollution on brain health. This found that climate change can worsen neurological conditions and mental health.
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