Life Course Exposure to Cyanobacteria and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Survival

Affiliates

Stuart A Batterman ¹, Md Kamrul Islam ¹, Dae Gyu Jang ^{2 3}, Eva L Feldman ^{2 3}, Stephen A Goutman ^{2 3}

1. Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
2. Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
3. NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA

Journal

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Summary

University of Michigan study researchers have found a connection between living near harmful algal blooms (cyanobacteria) and a reduced life expectancy for individuals with ALS. Most participants lived within a 5km radius of cyanobacteria blooms; this exposure was associated with a 0.89-year reduction in survival.

The study found significant interactions for individuals who reported activities like swimming or fishing, or who used private wells. The findings suggest that exposure to cyanobacteria could be a new risk factor affecting ALS survival; this emphasizes the need for more research to confirm these findings and understand broader implications for health.

Link to the Paper

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