Living near busy roads linked to MS risk

A new study has found that living close to major roads or motorways may increase the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Researchers at The University of British Columbia analysed data from around 678,000 people between the ages of 45 and 84 who lived in Metro Vancouver between January 1994 and December 1998. They investigated whether environmental factors during this period contributed to the development of neurological diseases including non-Alzheimer’s dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and MS.

The researchers found that living within 50 meters or less distance to a major road, or less than 150 meters from a motorway, was linked to higher incidence of all of the neurological conditions studied.

Researchers said that the presence of fine particulate matter, which is produced by combustion, might contribute to the risk of MS.