O45-3 Occupational risk factors for motor neurone disease: a new zealand population-based case-control study. (1st September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mclean, David; Chen, Grace; Mannetje, Andrea't; D'Souza, Wendyl; McConnell, Melanie; Berg, Leonard van den; Kromhout, Hans; Pearce, Neil; Douwes, Jeroen
• Is Part Of: Occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 73(2016)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A86
• Page End: A86
• Publication Date: 2016-09-01
• Subjects: Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 616.980305
• DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2016-103951.230
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-0711

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Apart from increasing age and a few specific genetic polymorphisms, the aetiology of Motor Neurone Disease is largely unknown. Only 5–10% of cases are familial with the vast majority being of the sporadic form. A role for environmental exposures is suggested by the lack of evidence for a genetic component, differences in incidence by geographical region, increases in incidence observed in some countries (including New Zealand) over a relatively short period, associations observed in epidemiological studies, and the higher proportion of males affected. We conducted a New Zealand population-based case-control study to investigate associations between occupational exposures and MND. Methods: We recruited both prevalent and incident cases from a voluntary register, supplemented by notifications from neurologists. General population controls were selected from the Electoral Roll. A standardised questionnaire was used to obtain information on personal and demographic details, lifestyle factors and a full occupational history. We estimated odds ratios by occupation and industry, with analyses adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, SES and smoking using logistic regression. Results: We interviewed 265 cases and 532 controls. Two thirds of cases were male, with 70% aged over 60. Significantly elevated risks were observed for Telecommunications Technicians OR = 4.2 (95% CI: 1.2–14.0), Forecourt Attendants OR = 6.2 (1.3–30.2), Agriculture and Fishery Workers OR = 1.5 (1.1–2.2), Market Farmers and Crop Growers OR = 1.9 (1.1–3.3), Fruit Grower/Worker OR = 2.7 (1.2–6.3), Building Trades Workers OR = 1.8 (1.1–3.0), Builders Labourers OR = 4.3 (1.1–16.7) and Agricultural, Earthmoving and Other Materials-Handling Equipment Operators OR = 2.6 (1.1–6.1). There was also a non-significant elevation in Electricians (OR = 3.1). Analyses by industry showed significantly elevated risks in agricultural (particularly horticulture and fruit growing), construction, automotive fuel retailing and computer services. Discussion: These preliminary results are consistent with those reported in the literature, and suggest that occupational exposures such as pesticides and ELF-MF may play a role in MND in New Zealand.