Air Pollution's Link To Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) - CleanTechnica

The article from CleanTechnica highlights recent research linking air pollution, specifically sulfur dioxide (SO₂) exposure, to an increased risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A 2025 Canadian population-level study found that long-term exposure to SO₂, particularly 5–10 years before ALS onset, is significantly associated with higher odds of developing the disease. SO₂ primarily originates from fossil-fuel combustion sources such as power plants, industrial facilities, heavy transport, and wildfires. To mitigate exposure, the article recommends policy-level actions like reducing sulfur emissions and adhering to EPA and WHO air quality guidelines, alongside personal measures such as monitoring air quality indices, using HEPA filtration indoors, reducing indoor combustion, and wearing well-fitted N95 masks during high pollution episodes. Indu Navar, a researcher and founder of EverythingALS, discusses her work supporting people with ALS by developing digital tools to accelerate clinical trials and improve patient care. She emphasizes that most ALS cases (90–95%)