A study by IRSST researchers on occupational exposure to pesticides and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is attracting international attention. The observation? A 60% to 70% increased risk of developing the disease among people occupationally exposed to pesticides.
Published in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine, the study by France Labrèche and Sabrina Gravel, researchers at the IRSST, caught the attention of BMJ Publishing Group, which issued a press release dedicated to the study and distributed it to more than 3,000 journalists worldwide.
Findings that strengthen knowledge of the risks associated with pesticides
Their article, Occupational exposure to pesticides increases the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis, published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine, highlights a significant association between occupational exposure to pesticides and a 60% to 70% increase in the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), compared with unexposed individuals.
The results also show that the risk is higher among people occupationally exposed to herbicides and insecticides, as well as among those exposed to higher concentrations of pesticides.
A study selected for an international press release
Beyond the publication itself, the study has received special recognition: BMJ Publishing Group chose to issue a press release dedicated to this research. This initiative is reserved for research that stands out for its innovative nature, scientific rigor, and potential to influence both the scientific community and the general public - providing an international showcase for the researcher’s findings and highlighting the expertise developed at the IRSST. The BMJ Group, which now brings together more than 65 medical journals, grew out of the British Medical Journal, published since 1840.
Continued visibility
The Communications and Public Relations Department has received various inquiries, including requests for interviews and clarification about the research, as well as several expressions of interest and support from readers. The study has also been widely mentioned and shared on external platforms and websites, helping to further expand the reach of the findings.
This spotlight helps raise awareness of the work of France Labrèche, Sabrina Gravel, Pamela Prud'homme, and Maryse Gagnon. It is a valuable opportunity to highlight the expertise of IRSST researchers, engage with the international scientific community, and showcase the essential role of the IRSST in occupational health and safety research.
Congratulations to the entire research team for this recognition and for the visibility their work has gained beyond the scientific publication.