A new study has found that inhaling fine particulate air pollution could increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Fine particles released from vehicles and burning wood have been linked to inflammation in the body, which can potentially trigger the disease.
Parkinson’s is one of the fastest-growing neurological disorders worldwide, currently affecting 2% of people over the age of 70. Experts predict that the number of cases could triple in the next two decades.
It is also believed that 20% of patients start showing symptoms before the age of 50.
According to neurologist Dr. Anh-Thu Vu, Parkinson’s disease was traditionally found in people over 60, but its incidence is now rising among younger populations.
Now, a team of American researchers has suggested in their study that one possible reason for this increase could be rising levels of air pollution.
