Epidemiology of multiple sclerosis in U. S. veterans: 2. Latitude, climate and the risk of multiple sclerosis

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1983 · J. Chronic Dis.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9681(83)90142-X· OSTI ID:5577285

Norman, Jr, J E; Kurtzke, J F; Beebe, G W

An analysis of ten climatic factors and elevation for the counties of birth of 4371 U.S. white male veterans with multiple sclerosis and matched controls has been made in relation to birthplace latitude. The climatic factors include an air pollution index, concentrations of minerals in ground water, measures of annual solar radiation, both in energy per unit area and in hours of sunshine, mean annual periods of high and low temperatures, and measures of annual rainfall and average humidity. These variables all significantly influence the risk of multiple sclerosis when analyzed alone, but when they are adjusted for latitude, their effect is found to be due to their correlation with this variable.

• Research Organization: Medical Follow-up Agency, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 5577285
• Journal Information: J. Chronic Dis.; (United States), Vol. 36:8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
HEALTH HAZARDS
GROUND WATER
NERVOUS SYSTEM DISEASES
EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOLAR RADIATION
CLIMATES
HUMIDITY
LATITUDE EFFECT
MALES
MAN
RAIN
USA
ANIMALS
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
DISEASES
GEOGRAPHICAL VARIATIONS
HAZARDS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MAMMALS
NORTH AMERICA
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
PRIMATES
RADIATIONS
STELLAR RADIATION
VARIATIONS
VERTEBRATES
WATER
560400* - Other Environmental Pollutant Effects