“Using cutting-edge geospatial analytical techniques, we were able to confirm, for the first time, a strong nationwide association between incident Parkinson’s disease and fine particulate matter in the US”
The study also found that the association between air pollution and Parkinson’s disease is not the same in every part of the country, and varies in strength by region.
The Mississippi-Ohio River Valley was identified as a Parkinson’s disease hotspot along with central North Dakota, parts of Texas, Kansas, eastern Michigan, and the tip of Florida.
People living in the western part of the US have a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease than the rest of the country.
“Area differences in Parkinson’s disease may reflect regional differences in the composition of particulate matter. Some areas may have particulate matter with more toxic components than other areas,” Krzyzanowski said.