Role of Environmental Neurotoxins in the Etiology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Social & Scientific Systems conducted an NIEHS case-control study of the role of environmental neurotoxins (e.g., lead, mercury, solvents, pesticides, and dietary antioxidants) in the etiology of ALS. Participants were recruited from the Neuromuscular Clinic of the New England Medical Center (NEMC) and Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) in Boston. Case participants underwent x-ray fluorimetry testing for bone lead, donated a 50 ml blood sample and toenail clippings, and completed a questionnaire on risk factors for ALS. We supervised the NEMC and BWH staff who screened and enrolled cases and arranged for the collection of specimens. Our staff recruited controls using random digit dialing, conducted an 80-minute telephone interview with each eligible control, and mailed and received dietary questionnaires from all participants. All collected data were edited and coded and prepared for analysis.