LONDON, ON - A new study reveals air pollution may contribute to the development of epilepsy, a brain condition that causes seizures. Published in Epilepsia, researchers at London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI) and Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry found an association between long-term exposure to air pollution with new cases of epilepsy in adults in Ontario.
The study utilized data from the Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium which was linked to Ontario’s health administrative databases and analyzed at ICES. It began with the population of Ontario residents with a health card as of January 1, 2010. After focusing on adults without other major health conditions like brain cancer, researchers found 24,761 new epilepsy cases over six years. The study found that higher exposure to fine particulate matter, a component of air pollution, increased the likelihood of developing epilepsy by 5.5 per cent, while ozone, another component of air pollution, increased it by 9.6 per cent.
The study is the first time databases were used to make a direct connection between new cases of epilepsy in adults in Ontario and long-term exposure to air pollution. “Our hope is that this research can help inform environmental policy and ensure there are adequate resources and health care for epilepsy in areas that have significant air pollution,” says Dr. Jorge Burneo, Scientist at LHSCRI, Neurologist at London Health Science Centre (LHSC) and Professor at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99 per cent of the world’s population breathes air that exceeds WHO air quality limits. Scientific studies have linked air pollution to a wide variety of health issues and now there is additional evidence on its association with new onset epilepsy.
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide, affecting about six in every 1,000 people at any given time. People with epilepsy are three times more likely to die earlier in life and some do not respond to anti-seizure medications.
“This research is important because it has the potential to drive changes that could ultimately reduce the number of new epilepsy cases,” says Tresah Antaya, PhD, Postdoctoral Associate at Western University in the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences. “We know seizures can significantly affect quality of life — limiting a person’s ability to work in certain industries, drive, or live independently. Our hope is that this work will contribute to a future where fewer people are affected by epilepsy.”
As a next step in this work, the research team plans to explore the effects that forest fires may have on health, including epilepsy.
"Our environment plays a big role in our health," adds Dr. Burneo. "Our research aims to better understand these connections with a goal of improving both planetary and human health."
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Celine Zadorsky, Senior Media Relations Consultant, London Health Sciences Centre, (226) 927-2309, media@lhsc.on.ca
Cynthia Fazio, Media Relations Officer, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, (226) 376-4924 (mobile), cynthia.fazio@uwo.ca
About London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute:
At London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI), our teams pioneer discoveries that transform the health of adult and paediatric patients around the world. As the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), we conduct research where patient care is delivered, working alongside patients, families, health-care providers and academic partners like Western University. We are leaders in advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases and health conditions through a diverse research program that ranges from laboratory-based science to clinical trials. Our research has a global impact as we build on LHSC’s 150-year legacy of health innovation and drive forward medical breakthroughs that make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. Find us online at www.lhscri.ca and on social media @LHSCRI.
ABOUT WESTERN
Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community. For more information, visit https://uwo.ca/
ABOUT ICES
ICES houses a vast, secure array of large, population-based databases that capture health-care system use over time and across Ontario, Canada. The ICES data repository includes health administrative datasets, demographic datasets, population-based surveys, disease registries, validated chronic condition cohorts, electronic medical records, and a growing number of other non-health administrative data. These record-level, coded data are linkable, encompassing over 30 years of health service interactions for over 21 million people eligible for publicly-funded health care in Ontario.
Journal
Epilepsia
Method of Research
Data/statistical analysis
Subject of Research
People
Article Title
The association of air pollution with new-onset epilepsy
Article Publication Date
28-Mar-2025