Topic: Environment

Researchers at UCLA found that long-term exposure to chlorpyrifos near home is associated with a more than 2.5-fold increase in the risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

A widely used agricultural pesticide may pose a greater threat to brain health than previously recognized. Researchers at UCLA Health report that long-term exposure to chlorpyrifos near the home is associated with a more than 2.5-fold increase in the risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

Chlorpyrifos has been used on agricultural crops for decades, although residential uses were banned in 2001 and agricultural applications faced restrictions in 2021. The chemical continues to be used on various crops in the United States and remains common in many other countries.

To investigate the connection between chlorpyrifos exposure and Parkinson's risk, researchers analyzed data from 829 people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and 824 individuals without the condition. They estimated each participant's long-term exposure to chlorpyrifos by combining California pesticide use records with residential and workplace addresses. This allowed them to determine who had likely experienced greater exposure over time.

The findings revealed a striking pattern. Individuals with long-term residential exposure to chlorpyrifos had more than 2.5 times the risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared with people who were not exposed.

Why It Matters

This study highlights the importance of understanding environmental exposures that may contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease, which affects nearly one million Americans.

Key Facts

• Long-term exposure to chlorpyrifos near home is associated with a more than 2.5-fold increase in the risk of developing Parkinson's disease.
• Chlorpyrifos has been used on agricultural crops for decades and remains common in many countries, despite restrictions on its use.
• The study analyzed data from over 1,600 people to investigate the connection between chlorpyrifos exposure and Parkinson's risk.

Key Terms

Chlorpyrifos

A widely used agricultural pesticide

Implications

This study highlights the importance of understanding environmental exposures that may contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease, which affects nearly one million Americans.