A recent preliminary study (Lapadat et al., 2024), supported by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, reveals a clear correlation between the use of specific pesticides and herbicides in agricultural practices and the incidence of Parkinson’s disease, in particularly in the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains areas of the United States. (1)
1) Pesticides and Parkinson’s, the study
French researchers compared the prevalence levels of Parkinson’s disease in different areas of individual states with the level of herbicide and pesticide consumption in the respective areas.
Analysis of medical records 2009 Medicare data of 21,5 million people found that residents in counties with the highest levels of pesticide exposure have a greater risk of developing Parkinson’s disease than those in low-exposure areas.
1.1) Three pesticides most correlated with Parkinson’s disease
In the Rocky Mountain area and the Great Plains, researchers identified 14 pesticides and herbicides associated with Parkinson’s disease. Three poisons have the worst impact:
– Simazine. In the counties most sprayed with this herbicide, the chance of having Parkinson’s disease is 36% higher, compared to counties with the lowest exposure. A difference that corresponds to 411 new cases of Parkinson’s disease per 100.000 people compared to 380 cases in the counties with the lowest exposure.
– Atrazine. This herbicide increases the incidence of Parkinson’s by 31%: 475 new diagnoses per 100.000 people compared to 398 in counties with the lowest exposure.
– Lindane. Increased exposure to this insecticide correlates with a 25% greater chance of contracting the disease. Concretely, 386 new diagnoses per 100.000 people compared to 349 in the counties with the lowest exposure.
2) Yet another confirmation of the impact of agrotoxics
The new evidence represent yet another confirmation of a correlation between exposure to pesticides and the onset of disease. The chemical sprayed on crops and agricultural fields also contaminates air, soil, water and food.
The health consequences human are expressed in the increased risk of neurological pathologies, such as Parkinson’s, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that afflicts millions of people around the world, and alterations of the hormonal system. (2)
2.1) Pesticides as endocrine disruptors
Numerous pesticidesin fact, they are now classified as endocrine disruptors (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, EDC). These substances, present in countless everyday products (plastics, fabrics, cosmetics, etc.), can mimic or interfere with the body’s natural hormones, causing damage to reproductive health, metabolism and the immune system, as we have seen. (3)
Glyphosate, the most widespread herbicide in the world, is an eloquent example of this health emergency. Prof. Alberto Mantovani, in our previous article, raised significant doubts about the neurotoxicity of glyphosate, suggesting that it may contribute to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. A point of view that could further strengthen the links between pesticide use and neurological health risks. (4)
3) The laxity of politics
‘It’s worrying that previous studies have identified other pesticides and herbicides as potential risk factors for Parkinson’s, and there are hundreds of pesticides that have not yet been studied for any relationship to the disease‘ says Brittany Krzyzanowski, PhD, of the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, co-author of the new study on the link between pesticides and Parkinson’s.
Already in the 2017Indeed, the UN report linking pesticides to ‘homicide and ecocide’ highlighted the urgent need to address the environmental and health consequences of the indiscriminate use of pesticides, a call that resonates again with growing evidence of their impact on Parkinson’s disease and other diseases. (5)
Unheard appeals. Meanwhile, doubts regarding the transparency and integrity of the data and research supported by the agrochemical industry are multiplying, with evidence suggesting the possible concealment of studies on the neurotoxicity of pesticides, reinforcing the need for rigorous scientific controls and greater transparency. (6,7)
Dario Dongo
Cover image from Beyond Pesticides, Pesticides and Parkinson’s Disease: The Toxic Effects of Pesticides on the Brain https://tinyurl.com/y2t9m368
Footnotes
(1) Abstract: Study Finds Pesticide Use Linked to Parkinson’s in Rocky Mountain, Great Plains Region. Embargoed for release until 4 pm Et, Tuesday, February 27, 2024 https://aanfiles.blob.core.windows.net/aanfiles/a9aeceda-f16d-4adb-87aa-22eae1f87091/2024%20AAN%20Annual%20Meeting%20Abstract%20-%20Pesticides%20and%20Parkinson%27s
(2) Report Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: Threats To Human Health, Endocrine Society and International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) https://www.endocrine.org/-/media/endocrine/files/advocacy/edc-report2024finalcompressed.pdf
(3) Marta Strinati. PFAS in non-organic fruits and vegetables through pesticides. PAN Europe study. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade).
(4) Dario Dongo. Glyphosate and neurotoxicity, doubts and questions from a toxicologist. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade).
(5) Dario Dongo. Pesticides, homicides and ecocides, new UN report. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade).
(6) Dario Dongo. How the agrochemical industry hides the toxicity of pesticides. New studies. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade) 13.6.23
(7) Dario Dongo. Glyphosate, the report from Echa, the European Chemical Agency, overlooks the falsity of the data produced by Monsanto. The Corporation is now on trial in the US. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade).
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
 at the Barrow Neurological Institute reveals a clear correlation between pesticides and Parkinson's disease){kind=link}