Pesticide Exposure Linked (Again) to Parkinson's Disease

Yet another study has linked pesticide exposure to Parkinson's disease, according to Reuters, and this study, published in Annals of Neurology seems to be the best evidence yet that exposure to certain organochlorine insecticides causes Parkinson's disease.

The French study found that farm workers exposed to pesticides were more likely to develop Parkinson's disease, and because the risk increased with the duration of exposure, the data provides evidence of a causal link. The study didn't examine whether lower-level exposure, from the same or similar pesticides in the home, causes a spike in risk as well.

Organochlorine insecticides include the infamous DDT and chlordane, both of which have been banned in the U.S. for decades but which can still be found in 42% and 74% of U.S. kitchens, respectively (maybe even yours). Other organochlorine pesticides that remain in use include (pesticide food residue information provided by the new pesticide residue lookup Website published by the Pesticide Action Network, whatsonmyfood.org):

• Dicofol, which is used on fruit and cotton crops. Dicofol pesticide residue has been detected in the highest concentrations on sweet bell peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, raisins and grapes -- but there are nearly 20 foods in all that have tested positive.
• Endosulfan, which is banned in many countries but still used on U.S. apple, cotton, potato and tomato crops, despite a campaign by health and environmental groups to have it banned. Endosulfan pesticide residue has been detected in the highest concentrations on sweet bell peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, apples, peaches, strawberries and tomatoes -- but there are more than two dozen foods in all that have tested positive.
• Heptachlor, which is only used today to kill fire ants.
• Pentachlorophenol, which is used to treat utility poles and other pest-resistant wood.

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