Air pollution linked to Parkinson's risk

A systematic review and meta-analysis led by researchers at the University of Cambridge, published in Environment International, found that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) is associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson s disease. The analysis of 26 studies estimated a 10% higher relative risk per 5 μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 and an 18% higher risk per 15 μg/m³ increase in PM10. The study did not find clear links for other pollutants or for multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease. The research was partly funded by the Australia — Australian Research Council and the European Union. Additional studies from Mayo Clinic and Barrow Neurological Institute, published in JAMA Network Open, also reported associations between air pollution and Parkinson s disease, including differences in disease presentation. Experts from Harvard Medical School and Newsweek commented on the findings, noting the evidence is consistent but not yet definitive. The researchers developed an open-access tool to help policymakers compare interventions to reduce traffic-related air pollution.