Out of several air pollutants examined in a recent study, researchers show that fine particulate matter and 3 other criteria pollutants (SO₂, CO, and lead) were statistically associated with higher odds for pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS). Pediatric MS cases (n=290) and healthy controls (n=442) were included as part of this ongoing case-control study. They used the National Emissions Inventory system to estimate particulate exposure by county of residence for each participant. Proximity to Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) sites was also assessed using ArcGIS mapping tools. Risk‐Screening Environmental Indicators (RSEI) classified counties at risk to exposure of environmental toxic releases. They found:

• Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and lead air emissions were associated with increased odds for pediatric MS for those residing within 20 miles of an MS center.
• Most study participants (75%) resided within 5 miles of at least 1 TRI site; however, the mean total pounds of stack air releases were higher for sites near MS cases (81,000 tons) compared to those near healthy controls (35,000 tons).