Abstract

Overview

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with a fatal prognosis whose causes are not fully understood. Environmental factors, including exposure to magnetic fields, have been suspected in playing a role in this condition.

Findings

• A systematic review was conducted to explore the dose-response association between ALS and residential exposure to magnetic fields.
• Advanced biostatistical tools were utilized to assess data from various studies.
• The analysis included data from six studies, utilizing both distance-based and modeling-based assessments of magnetic field exposure.
• Results indicated very imprecise associations, suggesting a decreased ALS risk at higher exposures according to some estimates, though overall evidence remains weak.

Conclusion

There was scant evidence found linking residential exposure to magnetic fields with an increased risk of ALS. However, the potential for a connection, particularly in highly exposed individuals or certain subgroups, cannot be conclusively dismissed. Further detailed research is needed.