Parkinson’s Disease linked to Pesticides
· Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative brain disorder in which dopamine-producing nerves in certain areas of the brain lose function, leading to movement impairment and paralysis. Parkinson’s Disease afflicts almost one million individuals in the United States and affects almost one percent of the population over 55 years of age. Parkinson’s Disease usually occurs in people over 60 years of age but can start at any age between 35 and 85 years of age.
Certain occupations have been thought to have higher rates of Parkinson’s Disease but the associations have not been consistent. We believe that certain chemicals can damage the brain and exposures to these chemicals can cause Parkinson’s Disease. The authors of this study sought to clarify the risks of occupational exposures and the development of Parkinson’s Disease.
Researchers analyzed data for 519 patients with Parkinson’s disease and 511 control subjects.
The study showed that welders and people that use welding solvents (chemicals) such as carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene do not have an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease.
The study also showed no increased risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease in people whose occupations include painting, soldering, machining, or using glue or adhesives, woodworking, and stripping wood or paint.
The study concluded that subjects who ever used pesticides had a 90% increased risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease.
Occupational exposure to three specific pesticides, organochlorine 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, paraquat, and permethrin were associated with a 300% increased risk in developing Parkinson’s Disease.
This is an important study. It shows us that there is a risk with certain chemicals (pesticides) and the development of Parkinson’s Disease.
It is likely that these compounds are toxic to the brain.
The first compound 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid was the active ingredient in Agent Orange.
Exposure to the other compounds is more likely, permethrin is used to repel misquotes and paraquat is the most common herbicide (weed killer).
This study shows us that there is a risk from these compounds and we should be very cautious and avoid exposure to them.
Cristopher Geiler, M.D.
October 1st 2009
Arch Neurol. 2009;66:1106-1113
Oct. 1, 2009
9/30/10
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