The study, published online in the journal Neurology, was conducted to identify national, and geographic patterns of Parkinson's disease and test for nationwide and region-specific associations with fine particulate matter.

The population-based geographic study identified nearly 90,000 people with Parkinson’s disease from a Medicare dataset of nearly 22 million.

"Previous studies have shown fine particulate matter to cause inflammation in the brain, a known mechanism by which Parkinson’s disease could develop," said Brittany Krzyzanowski, a researcher at Barrow Neurological Institute in the US, who led the study.

"Using state-of-the-art geospatial analytical techniques, we were, for the first time, able to confirm a strong nationwide association between Parkinson’s disease and fine particulate matter in the US," she added.

"Regional differences in Parkinson’s disease might reflect regional differences in the composition of the particulate matter. Some areas may have particulate matter containing more toxic components compared to other areas," Krzyzanowski said.

Researchers hope the data from this novel study will help enforce stricter policies that will lower air pollution levels and decrease the risk for Parkinson's disease and other associated illnesses.

"Despite years of research trying to identify the environmental risk factors of Parkinson’s disease, most efforts have focused on exposure to pesticides," Krzyzanowski said. "This study suggests that we should also be looking at air pollution as a contributor in the development of Parkinson’s disease."

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The above article has been published from a wire agency with minimal modifications to the headline and text.