Are there any specific occupations that may increase the risk of developing MND?
Researchers have investigated a number of occupations where the employees may be at a slightly greater risk of developing MND. These include military service, particularly Gulf War Service; the electrical industry, agriculture and professional sports, particularly football. The factors that may increase the risk of developing MND in these occupations includes exposure to chemicals known as organophosphates, to electrical trauma and to high levels of physical exercise. The evidence ranges from anecdotal reports to published research papers; unfortunately the results of these research studies often contradict each other and there are no clear conclusions. While all of these factors may contribute to the risk of developing MND, none of them cause the disease on their own.
