Self-report occupational exposures and mnd in New Zealand

Background We have reported previously the results on a New Zealand population based case-control study evaluating occupations as risk factors for MND. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between 11 different occupational exposure groups and the risk of MND by using self-reported job-related exposures. Methods We recruited 321 cases through the New Zealand Motor Neurone Disease Association and hospital discharges records, and 605 population controls from the Electoral Roll between 2013 and 2016. A standardized questionnaire was used to obtain information on personal and demographic details, lifestyle factors and a full occupational history with detailed workplaces exposures. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for MND. Analyses were adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education and smoking. Results Significantly elevated risks for MND were observed for self- reported job related exposures to Fibres (OR=1.39, 95% CI 1.00–1.93); Fumigants (OR=2.44, 95% CI 1.35–4.23); Animal and Animal Products (OR=1.41, 95% CI 1.03–1.92); Other Chemicals (OR=1.53, 95% CI 1.14–2.05) and Fungicides/Insecticides/Herbicides/Timber Preservatives (OR=1.44, 95% CI 1.05–1.99) Conclusions Our study shows various occupational related exposures with increased odds of MND. While study results need to be interpreted cautiously given the lack of direct exposure measures, these results, in particular exposure to Fumigants, Fungicides/Insecticides/Herbicides/ Timber Preservatives which were consistent with our previous results on agriculture occupations and MND risk. Future studies will have a particular focus on exposures specific for certain job tasks and dose-response relationships.