Editor's Note: This article is the fourth in our series 'At Our Age' which focuses on issues relevant to the age profile of many XUNICEF members.
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Many of us know friends or relatives living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), often with debilitating shaking of hands and limbs. Symptoms usually appear after age 60. While the exact cause is not known; PD likely results from a mix of environmental exposures and genetics. What’s clear is that certain pesticides and herbicides (herbicides are one type of pesticide) and industrial solvents have been repeatedly linked to higher PD risk.
A recent column by Nicholas Kristof notes that Parkinson's (PD) is the world's fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder with some 90,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the US alone. Kristof points to the risks of one major culprit - the common herbicide paraquat, often marketed under the name Gramoxone (see below for other brand names). Kristof says the risks have been known at least since 1958, but that news of the danger was suppressed because of paraquat's effectivenes. In short, Kristof argues that the risks were suppressed for commercial profit. Paraquat has been banned in the EU, China, and Brazil, but while some restrictions exist, it is still widely used in the US and many other countries.
Avoid Pesticides and Herbicides
When shopping choose Organic. Organic produce reduces exposure to pesticide residues. When buying conventional produce, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Soaking produce for 15 minutes in clean water with 1 or 2 teaspoons of baking soda, then rinsing in cold running water is one good approach.
Eliminate Household Pesticides: Check the labels of any pesticides and herbicides you keep at home or use in your garden. Research shows PD risk doubled in people exposed to household pesticides for more than 30 days a year. For a list of manufacturers and brand names under which paraquat is sold, click here.
Steer Clear of Paraquat: This pesticide, still widely used, has one of the strongest documented links to PD. Simply living near areas of heavy spraying increases risk - golf courses, parks, and farms where pesticides are used regularly.
Limiting Other Chemical Exposures
Dry Cleaning Chemicals: Traditional dry cleaners often use TCE and perchloroethylene (PCE), both linked to Parkinson’s. Seek out “green” dry cleaning services instead. If dry-cleaned clothing comes back in plastic wrap, remove it immediately and hang items to air out before wearing.
The New York Times
Click here for the article:
Summary
Some 90,000 new cases of Parkinson's disease each year in the US alone. Kristof traces the link between Parkinson’s, the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder—and toxic chemical exposures, especially the herbicide paraquat. Paraquat’s risks have been known by manufacturers since 1958, but suppressed for profit, even as research tied it to neurological damage. He highlights mounting evidence from studies showing increased PD risk for those working with pesticides, living near golf courses, farms, and unknowingly consuming contaminated water supplies, Regulators in the U.S. remain cautious and industry plays down evidence, even as Europe, China, and Brazil have banned paraquat. Kristof calls for precautionary regulation, likening the current debate to past industry defenses of tobacco and lead paint. While acknowledging trade-offs and past missteps (such as DDT bans affecting malaria), he stresses that protecting families should outweigh chemical company profits.
Many of us know friends or relatives living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), often with debilitating shaking of hands and limbs. Symptoms usually appear after age 60. While the exact cause is not known; PD likely results from a mix of environmental exposures and genetics. What’s clear is that certain pesticides and herbicides (herbicides are one type of pesticide) and industrial solvents have been repeatedly linked to higher PD risk.
A recent column by Nicholas Kristof notes that Parkinson's (PD) is the world's fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder with some 90,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the US alone. Kristof points to the risks of one major culprit - the common herbicide paraquat, often marketed under the name Gramoxone (see below for other brand names). Kristof says the risks have been known at least since 1958, but that news of the danger was suppressed because of paraquat's effectivenes. In short, Kristof argues that the risks were suppressed for commercial profit. Paraquat has been banned in the EU, China, and Brazil, but while some restrictions exist, it is still widely used in the US and many other countries.
How can paraquat and other pesticides and herbicides affect the body? - paraquat and industrial chemicals like trichloroethylene (TCE) can cross the blood-brain barrier, triggering damage to the neurons responsible for movement.
Ironically, use of paraquat has grown in recent years, as resistance to other herbicides like the potentially cancer-causing product Roundup has grown.
Parkinson's can develop from prolonged exposure, but it is never too late to reduce risks. So what can we do to limit the risks of developing Parkinson's and other environmental threats?:
Ironically, use of paraquat has grown in recent years, as resistance to other herbicides like the potentially cancer-causing product Roundup has grown.
Parkinson's can develop from prolonged exposure, but it is never too late to reduce risks. So what can we do to limit the risks of developing Parkinson's and other environmental threats?:
Avoid Pesticides and Herbicides
When shopping choose Organic. Organic produce reduces exposure to pesticide residues. When buying conventional produce, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Soaking produce for 15 minutes in clean water with 1 or 2 teaspoons of baking soda, then rinsing in cold running water is one good approach.
Eliminate Household Pesticides: Check the labels of any pesticides and herbicides you keep at home or use in your garden. Research shows PD risk doubled in people exposed to household pesticides for more than 30 days a year. For a list of manufacturers and brand names under which paraquat is sold, click here.
Steer Clear of Paraquat: This pesticide, still widely used, has one of the strongest documented links to PD. Simply living near areas of heavy spraying increases risk - golf courses, parks, and farms where pesticides are used regularly.
Limiting Other Chemical Exposures
Dry Cleaning Chemicals: Traditional dry cleaners often use TCE and perchloroethylene (PCE), both linked to Parkinson’s. Seek out “green” dry cleaning services instead. If dry-cleaned clothing comes back in plastic wrap, remove it immediately and hang items to air out before wearing.
Air Pollution: Exposure to air pollution is noted as a risk factor for PD. Associations have been found between increased disease risk and exposure to traffic-related pollutant markers such as carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter found in dust. When air quality is known to be poor, avoid outdoor exposure.
The Clue to Unlocking Parkinson’s May Be All Around Us
By Nicholas KristofThe New York Times
Click here for the article:
Summary
Some 90,000 new cases of Parkinson's disease each year in the US alone. Kristof traces the link between Parkinson’s, the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder—and toxic chemical exposures, especially the herbicide paraquat. Paraquat’s risks have been known by manufacturers since 1958, but suppressed for profit, even as research tied it to neurological damage. He highlights mounting evidence from studies showing increased PD risk for those working with pesticides, living near golf courses, farms, and unknowingly consuming contaminated water supplies, Regulators in the U.S. remain cautious and industry plays down evidence, even as Europe, China, and Brazil have banned paraquat. Kristof calls for precautionary regulation, likening the current debate to past industry defenses of tobacco and lead paint. While acknowledging trade-offs and past missteps (such as DDT bans affecting malaria), he stresses that protecting families should outweigh chemical company profits.
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