Pesticides Linked to Parkinson’s Disease
July 10th, 2009 Posted in Organic & Chemical Pesticides
Most people have probably been exposed to some sort of pesticides in their life. Some more than others, but the majority of us can say that we have been exposed to them. What’s summer time without pesticides, right?
What researchers are finding now, though, is that pesticide usage, particularly industrial usage, is being linked to the development of Parkinson’s Disease later in life. Parkinson’s is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s and is usually linked to genetics. However, more and more, researchers are finding that environmental factors are playing a big role in the development of this disease.
Laboratory testing has been done on rats and has shown that they are more susceptible to an animal form of Parkinson’s after being exposed to the pesticides. Inserm, the national French institute for health research in Paris, and University Pierre et Marie Curie have conducted research on French farm workers that supports this theory. The specific amounts of the pesticides and the exact types that cause this are not known, but the experts have narrowed it down to organochlorine insecticides.
Occupational health experts in France have documented lifestyle habits for these workers, as far as occupational history, and it was found that men who have been exposed to these pesticides are twice as likely to contract PD than those who have not been exposed. Additionally, when studied in the reverse direction, it was found that Parkinson’s patients had been exposed much more to pesticides than those who are not Parkinson’s patients or those who are candidates for the disease.
Due to this study, those in the agricultural industry should be extra cautious and should educate employees on how to be using products safely and effectively. However, to avoid this issue completely, consider using a safe alternative to chemicals – EcoSMART organic pesticides.
Kyra Pritchard
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15 Comments | The First 1,000 to Comment (Starting 12/21/2009) Will Become EcoSMART Product Testers!
By Lyn Foong on Jul 11, 2009
Yikes! Pesticides and Parkinson’s Disease, never knew there would be a connection! I would be greatly interested in trying out some organic EcoSmart
By Ruth Grace on Jul 11, 2009
Interesting info regarding Parkinsons. Although my uncle was not in the agriculture industry your article has prompted me to discuss his career days as a furier for over 25 yrs in Manhattan. He handled and dealt with many cleaning agents I’m sure to some degree for his wealthy clients who wanted their furs stored and cleaned while away. No on in our family has Parkinson so it is not by family which he now has the beginning of Parkinson so perhaps it was some form of exposure to chemicals. Do you think this is possible? This inquiring mind wants to learn more.
Now as a parent and someone who is also interested in keeping chemicals out of my yard I stumbled upon your site tonight looking for a home remedy as it’s late and no stores to buy something to rid ourselves of our “pet” Palmetto Bugs. Yes, I refer to them as pets at this point as for the last 3 or more weeks we kill at least a dozen or more in a half hour period in our bedroom which is on the ground floor. We use to get upset now we laugh and explain to them that they will be joining their friends as they swim down stream thru the toilet bowl express!
Humor has been our only defense so far. I have tried some chemicals of some sort and I swear they are the most durable bugs I’ve every run across. They will NOT go away. If you truly have a product that will rid my home and yard of these pesky critters let me know I’d like to try it. Oh yeah, have anything for carpenter ants too. I swear they are all having a HUGE party in my yard thru out the night, only I wasn’t invited.
Nice to see a eco friendly bug ridding company trying to rid the bug world while keeping us safe.
By Stacey Kostich on Jul 11, 2009
I would love to be part of the product testing.
Regards,
Stacey
By Marilyn Hochman on Jul 11, 2009
It seems there are many reasons to become EcoSMART. If it is not Parkinsons, it could be cancer or alzheimers or something which has not even been diagnosed. Better play it safe than sorry.
By vc3strada on Jul 12, 2009
Wow. Call me clueless, but when it comes to pesticides the first thing I think of is “bug killer”. I had no idea how harmful it is to us humans and mother earth. Great informative blog.
By Brenda Lofton on Jul 12, 2009
This just proves that “safe for humans” isn’t set in stone just because health & government agencies say that it is safe in the beginning.
By gemma doncaster on Jul 12, 2009
How scary! However, I’m not surprised. I’ve strongly felt for years that use of pesticides is not only bad for the environment, but also bad for everything living in it- including us! Of course you can wash your fruit and veg, but for the people in closer contact with pesticides, I’m sure that a greater incidence of Parkinson’s disease isn’t the only thing they have to worry about!
In 50 years we’ll be looking back, and wondering how this sort of thing could be so little known or thought about in the popular mind.
There has to be a better way of even huge commercial farmers to protect their crops from bugs.
By T Donohoe on Jul 12, 2009
I would enjoy testing your product in multiple environments including my home (with both dogs and cats), my office and my other haunts. I do have commercial interest in your product for possible future affliate interest but require some basic knowledge of how it works first hand to proceed. I saw this opportunity and responded.
Thank you for the consideration.
By T Donohoe on Jul 12, 2009
I think you would be better served if you chose “evaluation” over “moderation” in your assessment process. Just a thought.
By Tanya Wilson on Jul 12, 2009
Love EcoSMART!!
By Karen Nelson on Jul 13, 2009
Wow! That is scary to hear about pesticides and Parkinson’s. I had heard possible links to aluminum like in antiperspirant, but not pesticides before. Another reason to use organic!
By Susan West on Jul 13, 2009
This is scary info, it seems we are surrounded by pesticides everywhere!
By Raymond Chang on Jul 13, 2009
Good thing pesticides are now banned in Toronto.
By Christopher Hartt on Jul 13, 2009
Wow, that info about Parkinson’s is very interesting. I know that a lot of artificial chemicals seem to be OK and then years later they can come back & be responsible for some or other bad thing. I’m interested in learning more about the pesticide Parkinson’s link and what I can do to avoid using pesticides.