MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS AND EXPOSURE TO SOLVENTS, IONIZING-RADIATION AND ANIMALS

Earlier studies have indicated an association between multiple scleros is and environmental factors, especially occupational exposure to solv ents. The present study examined such relationships further. From medi cal files of hospitals in Kalmar and Jonkoping, 91 cases of multiple s clerosis, diagnosed in 1983-1988, were identified from population regi sters corresponding to the catchment areas of the hospitals, and 348 r eferents were randomly drawn. The cases and referents answered a quest ionnaire concerning occupational exposure and animal contacts. The men had significantly elevated risks, determined from logistic odds ratio s, for solvent exposure, occupational contact with dogs or cats, and l eisure-time contact with caged birds. X-ray treatment and previous dis eases were fisk indicators among the women. For the men and women toge ther, solvent exposure, radiological work, and previous diseases were associated with clearly elevated risks. Although the study concerned r ather few subjects, the findings indicate that several exogenous facto rs might contribute to the development of multiple sclerosis.