According to a story from webmd.com, diesel exhaust could increase the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig disease. People who are exposed to diesel exhaust on a regular basis, such as truck drivers, could experience an increase in risk as high as 40 percent.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a disease in which the neurons responsible for the control of voluntary muscle groups die. Generally, the cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is not known in the vast majority of cases, though a small percentage inherit the disease from their parents. The primary symptom of ALS is progressively worsening weakness and atrophy of the voluntary muscles. This often the first noticeable symptom, with patients having trouble breathing and swallowing; other symptoms include cramping and muscle stiffness, loss of coordination, and problems with cognition and mental function. The is no cure for the condition. To learn more about this disease, click here.
The study suggests that any increase in risk caused by diesel exhaust would probably require long term, regular exposure. The most convincing evidence was from patients that had been exposed to diesel on the job site for at least 10 years before they had been diagnosed. People who had been exposed to diesel the most were at the greatest risk. This was not the first research conducted that has suggested a potential link between diesel exhaust and ALS.
It is critical to note that the study did not definitively prove that diesel exhaust was the direct cause of ALS, although the exhaust undoubtedly contains a diverse array of potential harmful substances. Another challenge is the fact that many people who receive daily diesel exposure as part of their work are also often exposed to other toxic chemicals and substances, which serves to muddy the waters even further. The risk was also only observed in males.
Clearly, more research will be necessary to completely understand the nature of the relationship between diesel and ALS. Some researchers have theorized that diesel could simply be hastening the onset of the condition in people who already are genetically predisposed to ALS. Hopefully, further research will finally reveal the mysterious origins of the disease.
