Workplace Exposure to Engine Oil and Industrial Lubricants Linked to Higher Multiple Sclerosis Risk

Workers who regularly handle engine oil, hydraulic fluids and industrial lubricants may face a greater risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), according to new research published in the medical journal Neurology. Scientists from Sweden's Karolinska Institutet examined 2,872 people diagnosed with MS and 6,122 individuals without the condition, investigating whether occupational exposure to petroleum-based products could influence the development of this chronic neurological disease. Researchers discovered that people exposed to industrial lubricants had 38% higher odds of developing MS, with the association increasing alongside longer and more frequent exposure. Particularly concerning was the finding that workers who also smoked and carried certain genetic risk factors experienced substantially higher odds of developing the condition. Multiple sclerosis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibres, potentially causing fatigue, muscle weakness, vision problems and difficulties with movement. Although the study does not prove that industrial oils directly cause MS, researchers believe the findings warrant further investigation into workplace chemical exposure, particularly among mechanics, factory employees, construction workers and metalworkers. The discovery reinforces the importance of occupational health monitoring, appropriate protective equipment and improved understanding of environmental factors that may contribute to neurological diseases.