Parkinson's risk increases with exposure to this common chemical

Key Points:

• A UCLA study published in Springer Nature Link found that long-term exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos is associated with a more than 2.5 times higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease in humans, supported by animal experiments showing similar neurological damage.
• The study involved 829 Parkinson’s patients and 824 controls over 45 years, using proximity to chlorpyrifos as an exposure measure, and included mouse and zebrafish models that demonstrated movement problems, brain inflammation, neuron loss, and cellular damage.
• Researchers caution that the observational nature of the study means it shows association but not causation, and exposure estimates did not account for diet or personal behaviors; animal results may not directly translate to humans.
• The EPA banned chlorpyrifos on food crops in 2021, but a 2023 court ruling allowed limited use while the agency revisits the regulation; an updated EPA risk assessment is underway with potential for stronger restrictions by 2026.
• Industry responses include Corteva ending chlorpyrifos production due to declining sales and BASF canceling registrations; the EPA affirmed it will act promptly if new science warrants increased protections.