Motor neurone disease is a devastatingly debilitating disease for which there is no known cure. The cause or causes of MND are largely unknown. An estimated 10% of cases are believed to be genetic. In the rest, experts believe there is an underlying genetic disposition that is triggered by environmental factors. A recent study out of Australia points to a causal link between incidents of motor neurone disease and chronic exposure to blue-green algae. We take a closer look at the research and ask what is lurking in our environment – from water systems to sports pitches and beyond.