Multiple sclerosis in relation to industrial and commercial activities in the Faroe Islands

The distribution of MS cases in the Faroe Islands according to place at birth and place at onset was tested for a possible association with differing industries in 1930 and 1960, respectively. The MS patients originated predominantly from communities where commercial fisheries were prominent, whereas a weaker association was found with wood-processing plants. Both associations might, however, be confounded by the factor population as such, since patients were born mostly in the larger communities. No association with any kind of industry was found when residences during World War II were evaluated with respect to industries in 1960. Further studies into the conditions of life, with special reference to the social background of commercial fisheries in the early 20th century in the Faroe Islands, might be useful.