New Study Links Urban Pollutants to Parkinson’s Disease

EMSL Analytical offers environmental testing services to protect people from exposure to pollutants and hazardous materials.

Cinnaminson, NJ

Scientists at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis recently analyzed data from 35,000 patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. The findings, published in the “American Journal of Epidemiology,” examined data from Medicare and industrial discharge reports from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The findings appear to link urban areas with high levels of copper and manganese pollution to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. According to the research people living in areas with high levels of copper pollution had an 11% increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Areas with high levels of manganese pollution had an amazing 78% increased risk of developing the disease. Both manganese and copper are used in a vast array of industrial applications found in many urban locations.

According to the National Institutes of Health, “Parkinson’s disease (PD) belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders, which are the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells… Scientists looking for the cause of PD continue to search for possible environmental factors, such as toxins, that may trigger the disorder, and study genetic factors to determine how defective genes play a role.”

EMSL Analytical, one of the nation’s largest environmental testing laboratories, has extensive experience helping environmental professionals test for environmental toxins and health hazards. “It has been reported that approximately half a million people in the United States suffers from Parkinson’s disease,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President at EMSL. “Identifying environmental pollutants that may be a cause for this disease is a big step in understanding the role environmental toxins may play in triggering the disease. At EMSL Analytical our staff of environmental scientists can help health professionals and others identify environmental toxins to help protect people from unnecessary exposures and to protect the environment.”

To learn more about environmental testing services please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Contact via E-mail