A UCLA study published in Springer Nature Link suggests that long-term exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease by more than 2.5 times.
The research compared 829 people with Parkinson’s to 824 without the condition over 45 years, focusing on their proximity to the chemical. Mouse and zebrafish experiments showed movement problems, dopamine neuron loss, and brain inflammation similar to Parkinson’s symptoms.
Dr. Jeff Bronstein, a UCLA neurology professor, noted the consistency of results across animal models. He advised avoiding exposure through organic food and thorough washing of produce.
Chlorpyrifos is used on crops like soybeans, fruit trees, and broccoli. In 2021, the EPA banned its use on food crops, but a court reversed the decision in 2023. The agency is currently revising its health risk assessment for the chemical.
Corteva and BASF have phased out chlorpyrifos production or registrations, though none of their products were included in the study.