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Pesticides a Link to Parkinson's Disease?

The past few years have brought a flurry of activity in Parkinson's research as scientists have starting uncovering a pesticide link to the disease. Research shows exposure to low levels of pesticides can speed up the development of Parkinson's disease. This means that millions of people growing older like the baby boomer generation could potentially produce more cases of the disease than statistics predict.

Two pesticides in particular - DDT and dieldrin - are particular candidates in the contribution of Parkinson's development. These pesticides were used quite a bit in farming and while they were outlawed in the United States in the late 1970s, these pesticides can still be found in the soil, albeit in low percentages. Basically, some scientists believe that prolonged and repeated exposure to these pesticides (think farmers and pest control people in particular) fast forwards a Parkinson's diagnosis by as much as ten years!

Some studies do not focus on a particular pesticide while others do. It just depends on what science center or university does the testing. All agree that the timetable for Parkinson's is pushed up considerably or even kick starts the disease in someone who could be predisposed to it but likely might not have gotten it if not for the pesticide exposure. Comparison studies of brain tissue in sample groups of Parkinson's patients versus those with no evidence of the disease shows in many cases, there were levels of pesticides up to four times the average of the control group with no disease.

Exposure to the pesticides is likely through skin contact or even inhalation. Scientists believe that the pesticides start an oxidation process in which free radicals attack the nerve cells in the brain, the very cells that produce dopamine, a chemical neurotransmitter that carries messages to other parts of the brain.

Scientists do concur that while pesticides alone could cause Parkinson's disease in a small percentage of patients, it is a combination of other factors such as genetic history that puts another percentage of patients over the top for getting the disease. Many universities such as Harvard have been working on the tie-in to pesticides and say that avoiding exposure as children decreases chances of disease as the brain cells are still forming and are at their most vulnerable. However, after a study of almost 150,000 people, Harvard researcher believe that exposure to pesticides increases the likelihood of Parkinson's disease by over 65%!

While pesticide use is more regulated these days in its application, there is some slight danger through exposure in the foods people eat. Often, there is residue of pesticides in the foods bought at the market, particularly raw fruits and vegetables. It is important that people wash them thoroughly, even if the packaging says it is washed, to thoroughly remove any residue. While cooking does destroy the toxicity, there are still many raw foods that are meant to be eaten in its original state, thus the importance of washing.

All in all, minor exposure to pesticides, such as garden sprays or bug sprays, hold minor dangers in regards to upping Parkinson's risk - unless of course you decide to sniff or mainline the stuff! Wear gloves, eye protection and face masks when using chemicals like pesticides - it'll add years to your life.