Air pollution, light at night and greenness and risk of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases

Andrea Rebecchi (Principal Investigator)

Given the recent availability of environmental data, studying the link between environmental factors and human health is crucial for epidemiological research. The project examines the relationship between environmental factors (e.g., outdoor air pollutants, nighttime lighting, green spaces) and neurodegenerative/neurodevelopmental diseases (ALS and ASD), which are increasing in incidence worldwide. The main objectives are: – assessing satellite-derived digital databases for environmental pollutants and green space quality; – merging and validating data with terrestrial sources; – modeling small-area air pollution; – conducting two case studies in Modena (530 ALS patients, 2120 controls) and Catania (200 ASD cases, 800 controls); – using a geographic information system to assess environmental exposures near residences; – defining exposure data using satellite and terrestrial sources; – analyzing associations between environmental exposures and disease risk using natural cubic splines and logistic regression models; – considering potential confounders and effect modifiers like education, status, age, sex, disease subtypes, and gene mutations.

Contribution to SDGs: 3, 10, 11