UCLA Study Links Pesticide Chlorpyrifos to Higher Parkinson’s Risk
Pesticide Chlorpyrifos Linked to Higher Parkinson’s Risk, Study Finds
Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have found a significant link between exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, highlights the growing concern over the health effects of widely used agricultural chemicals.
The findings come as regulatory agencies worldwide grapple with the potential dangers of chlorpyrifos, which has been banned in some countries but remains in use in others, including the United States.
Background
Chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate insecticide, has been used for decades in agriculture to protect crops from pests. It was first registered for use in the U.S. in 1965 and has been widely applied to fruits, vegetables, and grains. However, its use has been controversial due to concerns about its impact on human health and the environment.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has repeatedly reviewed the safety of chlorpyrifos, with some studies suggesting it may interfere with the nervous system, particularly in children. In 2021, the EPA banned the use of chlorpyrifos on food crops in the U.S., citing risks to human health. However, some agricultural uses remain.
Key Developments
The UCLA study analyzed data from over 1,000 participants in the Agricultural Health Study, a long-term research project tracking the health of farmers and their families. The researchers found that individuals with higher levels of chlorpyrifos exposure had a 3.3 times greater risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those with lower exposure levels.
“Our findings add to the growing body of evidence that chlorpyrifos exposure is associated with neurological disorders,” said Dr. Beate Ritz, a professor of epidemiology at UCLA and the study’s lead author. “This is particularly concerning given that chlorpyrifos is still in use in some parts of the world.”
Impact
The study’s findings have significant implications for agricultural workers and communities near farms where chlorpyrifos is used. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and can lead to severe disability. With no cure currently available, preventing exposure to potential risk factors is crucial.
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“This research underscores the need for stricter regulations on chlorpyrifos and other similar pesticides,” said Dr. Ritz. “Protecting workers and the environment from these chemicals should be a priority.”
What Next
The UCLA study adds to the pressure on regulatory agencies to further restrict or ban chlorpyrifos. In Europe, the European Commission has proposed banning the sale of chlorpyrifos, and several countries have already taken steps to phase out its use.
In the U.S., advocacy groups are calling for a complete ban on chlorpyrifos, citing the potential health risks highlighted in studies like this one. The EPA is expected to conduct further reviews, but the timeline for any regulatory action remains uncertain.
