Pass on the Pesticides

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The animal studies do hint at a possible mechanism for how pesticides cause the disease. The chemicals appear to target the dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, a part of the brain involved in coordinating movement, by blocking the removal of excess proteins from the cells.

A few studies have reported that long-term exposure to combinations of pesticides, such as paraquat and maneb, especially during prenatal and postnatal development, may predispose an individual to Parkinson's disease. A comprehensive review of these studies published in the February issue of Environmental Health Perspectives reported that exposure to multiple low-level environmental neurotoxicants, perhaps at an early age, may be a causal factor in the development of the disease.

The complete picture for Parkinson's is far from clear, notes Robin Anthony Elliott, executive director of the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, which funds research. "We know from studies in twins that the disease is caused by a combination of genetic factors and environmental toxins," said Elliott. In addition to pesticides, other risk factors found in previous studies include rural living, drinking water from a well and farming.

"The main conclusion here is we have to be cautious about pesticides [and] we need to do further research to identify the specific chemicals," said Ascherio. The study was funded by the Michael J. Fox foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

What You Can Do

Rotenone is a natural pesticide that organic farmers sometimes use. If you buy fruit and vegetables locally, ask your producers whether or not they use this pesticide, and if so, on which crops. According to guidelines set forth by the Organic Materials Review Institute in compliance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Organic Program, rotenone may be used only when preventative mechanical and physical methods are insufficient, said Holly Givens, public affairs adviser for the Organic Trade Association.

If you use well water and suspect pesticide contamination, have your water tested. See the EPA web site for guidance at www.epa.gov/.

Stock up on organic fruits in season, and then freeze them. Or buy frozen organic berries such as those from Cascadian Farms. For more ideas, see "Summertime Blues and Reds and Purples" from GG #109 at www.thegreenguide.com.

Reduce or eliminate your use of pesticides around the home. See our Lawn Care Product Report at www.thegreenguide.com and "Nontoxic Pest Control" from GG #109 at www.thegreenguide.com.

Photo by Charles O'Rear courtesy of USDA.

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