N.B. report finds herbicides and heavy metals not the cause of most undiagnosed neurological illnesses

A provincial review of 222 cases concluded that herbicides and heavy metals are unlikely to explain most of the undiagnosed neurological illnesses reported in New Brunswick; the province has asked the Public Health Agency of Canada to review individual patient data once consent and a data‑sharing agreement are in place.

A provincial investigation into hundreds of reports of undiagnosed neurological illness concluded that environmental substances such as herbicides and heavy metals are unlikely to be the cause of most patients' symptoms. Dr. Yves Léger, the chief medical officer of health, released a final report on the review of 222 cases that began after concerns were raised about elevated levels of certain herbicides and metals in some patients. The report does not identify a single cause for the illnesses and recommends steps to support independent reassessment; the province has asked the Public Health Agency of Canada to review individual raw data once informed consent and a data‑sharing agreement are completed. Key findings: - The investigation reviewed 222 cases of undiagnosed neurological illness. - The main finding reported that exposure to the herbicides and metals studied is unlikely to explain most patients' illnesses. - The provincial government has requested a review of individual patient data by the Public Health Agency of Canada; the timeline depends on completing informed consent and a data‑sharing agreement. Summary: The report narrows the role of the specific environmental exposures examined and sets out recommendations aimed at improving diagnostic review and followup. PHAC will review the raw patient data, with a timeline to be determined after consent and data‑sharing arrangements are in place.