Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. No increase among US construction workers in Guam

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Epidemiology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
• Environmental factors are suspected contributors to ALS etiology.
• Previous studies have suggested potential links between military service or specific geographic locations and ALS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence of ALS among stateside construction workers who resided on Guam.
• To determine if adult residence on Guam is associated with an elevated risk of developing ALS.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 12,601 male construction workers on Guam (1945-1954) was identified.
• Follow-up through Social Security Administration data until 1970.
• Mortality data and causes of death were analyzed for ALS incidence.

Main Results:

• Three deaths attributed to ALS were identified among the studied cohort.
• The ALS incidence rate was comparable to that of US resident white men.
• No increased predisposition to ALS was observed for adult Guam residents.

Conclusions:

• Adult residence on Guam does not appear to be a risk factor for developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
• Further research may be needed to explore other potential environmental or occupational exposures in ALS etiology.