New research has found that combined exposure to background levels of the pesticides ziram and paraquat as well as combined exposures to the pesticides maneb and paraquat in workplaces and residences substantially increased the risk of Parkinson’s Disease. Those exposed to ziram, maneb, and paraquat together experienced the greatest increase in PD risk. The results suggest that combined exposures to pesticides may act together to increase the risk of PD.
The research: Anthony Wang, Sadie Costello, Myles Cockburn, Xinbo Zhang, Jeff Bronstein, Beate Ritz. Parkinson’s disease risk from ambient exposure to pesticides. European Journal of Epidemiology, 2011; DOI: 10.1007/s10654-011-9574-5
For further information on the peer reviewed research linking exposure to pesticides and Parkinson’s Disease see The Michael J. Fox Foundation website
*Photo Credit: michaeljfox.org
