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Multiple sclerosis distribution in England and Wales and parts of Europe

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

Percy Stocks
Percy Stocks
Affiliation:
34 Brompton Avenue, Colwyn Bay, Denbighshire, Wales
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Scotland and Ireland have the highest death rates from multiple sclerosis and high rates are recorded in an area extending south-eastward from Britain through central Europe. The rates tend to diminish with rising latitude and longitude. In England and Wales the county boroughs with notably high rates during 1958–67 were mostly textile towns with cotton and wool mills, situated in the area recording the lowest average levels of sunshine. In the London area mortality from multiple sclerosis was high in those western boroughs and adjacent counties most exposed to the noise of aircraft using the airports of London. The geographical pattern in England suggests that noise and vibration of particular kinds may be a factor in causation along with a climatic factor, but this hypothesis is speculative until further evidence is found to support it.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Hygiene , Volume 69 , Issue 3 , September 1971 , pp. 373 - 389
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1971

References

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