Environmental Contributions to Parkinson's Disease

The following is a summary of one of the sessions from the 2023 World Parkinson Congress we wanted to share with our community:

Beate Ritz, Briana De Miranda, and Ray Dorsey presented on the current understanding of the role of pesticides and toxic chemicals with respect to PD. They also discussed prevention in the context of environmental exposure.

While the exact cause of Parkinson’s remains unknown, there is increasing evidence suggesting that environmental toxins play a significant role. Recent research has revealed a link between air pollution and the development of PD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Studies have shown that air pollution is the sixth leading preventable cause of death globally, and approximately 40% of the United States still breathes unhealthy air. Shockingly, 95% of the world's population is exposed to air pollution levels above the guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Additionally, certain pesticides, including paraquat, have been associated with a 150% increased risk of PD. Its usage, especially in agriculture-heavy regions like California (a major source of British Columbia’s produce), has doubled in recent years. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States says, “one sip can kill,” but has not yet banned this pesticide. However, in February 2023, there was a significant development regarding the use of paraquat-containing products in Canada. The only product containing paraquat, known as Gramoxone®, was discontinued and is no longer sold or permitted. However, there are lingering worries about the residual effects for individuals previously exposed to this toxic chemical.

The global use of pesticides, in general, has seen a disturbing trend, having doubled in the past two decades. Another toxicant, Trichloroethylene (TCE), has been found to be associated with a 500% increased risk of Parkinson’s. Despite this, the US and Canada continue to allow its use in various industrial applications, leading to thousands of contaminated sites and a continuing rise in global usage at approximately 3% per year.

Encountering paraquat and other toxic pesticides is possible in specific industries, but it is unlikely you will find them in your garage or available for purchase in stores.

However, those employed in industries that use these chemicals should take precautions to ensure their safety, such as the following:

(Tips were adapted from Parkinson Canada)

• Familiarize yourself with hazardous materials labeling through Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training and carefully check product labels before use.
• Follow workplace procedures and safety requirements related to working with chemicals, and communicate any concerns you may have. Your rights as an employee are protected by British Columbia’s WorkSafe BC program.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment like gloves, masks, and goggles as indicated on the pesticide label or provided by your employer.
• Consider weather conditions before applying pesticides outside, as wind, heat, and rain can intensify their impact.
• Thoroughly wash your hands after pesticide use, even if you wore gloves during application.
• Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while handling pesticides to prevent direct ingestion.
• Refrain from touching your face or eyes until you've washed your hands after working with pesticides.
• Change out of the clothes used during pesticide application and wash them separately from other clothing.
• Dispose of pesticide containers properly following the instructions on the label to avoid unnecessary exposure after use.
• Contact your city office for guidance on proper disposal if you have leftover pesticides with no plans for future use.
• For more comprehensive information on handling pesticides safely, refer to the Canadian Government’s "Use Pesticides Safely" guidelines, found at https://bit.ly/canada-pesticides.

This content was published in the Fall 2023 edition of our quarterly magazine, Viewpoints. The content was accurate as of this publication date.