Pesticide exposure linked to ALS risk

A meta-analysis published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that workplace exposure to pesticides is associated with a 60-70% increased risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common form of motor neuron disease. The analysis pooled data from 11 studies involving over 2,000 cases. Exposure to herbicides was linked to a 70% higher risk, while insecticides and fungicides were linked to a 60% higher risk. Men exposed to pesticides were twice as likely to develop ALS as unexposed men, but no increased risk was seen in women. The study's authors call for interventions to reduce occupational pesticide exposure. Experts caution that the findings show association, not causation, and note limitations such as reliance on self-reported exposure and potential recall bias.