From the Guidelines
Yes, certain pesticides have been associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, particularly organophosphates, as evidenced by a 2018 study published in PLoS Medicine 1. The most strongly linked pesticides include:
- Organophosphates (e.g., chlorpyrifos) These pesticides are believed to increase Parkinson's risk through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation in the brain. Chronic exposure, even at low levels, may contribute to the development of Parkinson's over time, as suggested by a 2018 study that found prenatal exposure to organophosphates at low levels is putting children at risk for cognitive and behavioral deficits and for neurodevelopmental disorders 1. To reduce risk, avoid direct contact with these pesticides. If you work in agriculture or live in areas with high pesticide use, take precautions like wearing protective equipment and washing produce thoroughly. Consider organic options when possible. It's also important to note that diet and gut health may play a role in reducing the risk of Parkinson's disease, with a high-fiber diet associated with a decreased risk of the disease, as found in a 2024 study published in Gut Microbes 1. However, the most recent and highest quality study, published in 2024, suggests that while diet and gut health are important, pesticide exposure is a significant risk factor for Parkinson's disease, and reducing exposure to organophosphates and other pesticides is crucial to minimizing the risk of developing the disease.
From the Research
Pesticide Exposure and Parkinson's Disease
- Extensive literature suggests an association between general pesticide use and Parkinson's disease (PD) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Studies have found that exposure to specific pesticides, such as organophosphates, insecticides, and herbicides, may increase the risk of developing PD 2, 3, 4, 5
- The use of certain pesticides, including terbufos, trifluralin, and 2,4,5-T, has been associated with elevated PD risk 2
- On the other hand, some pesticides, such as diazinon and 2,4,5-TP, have been associated with reduced risk 2
- Household use of organophosphorus pesticides has been linked to an increased risk of developing PD, particularly among individuals with a genetic variant related to slower detoxification of these pesticides 3
- Ambient exposure to organophosphates has also been associated with an increased risk of developing PD, with exposure-response patterns observed with increasing numbers of organophosphates 5
- A systematic literature review and meta-analyses found strong evidence that exposure to any pesticide involves a ≥50% increased risk for developing Parkinson's disease 6
Specific Pesticides and Parkinson's Disease
- Organophosphates: associated with increased PD risk 3, 5
- Insecticides: associated with increased PD risk, particularly chlorpyrifos and organochlorines 4
- Herbicides: associated with increased PD risk, particularly paraquat and trifluralin 2, 4
- Fungicides: associated with increased PD risk, particularly maneb 4
Factors Influencing Pesticide-Associated Parkinson's Disease
- Genetic susceptibility: individuals with certain genetic variants may be more susceptible to pesticide-associated PD 3, 4
- Head injury: history of head injury may increase the risk of pesticide-associated PD 2
- Chemical-resistant glove use: use of chemical-resistant gloves may protect against pesticide-associated PD 2