Pesticides that are often found in the U.S. food supply may have links to Parkinson’s disease, according to recent research.
A study from UCLA, published in the journal Springer Nature Link, indicates that exposure to chlorpyrifos could elevate the risk of neurological disorders. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that chemicals like this are frequently used on crops like soybeans, fruit trees, and various types of vegetables.
Interestingly, early signs of Parkinson’s can potentially be identified decades ahead of any pronounced symptoms through a straightforward blood test.
The study involved a comparison of 829 individuals with Parkinson’s against 824 without the disease, examining their exposure to chlorpyrifos over 45 years. Additionally, the researchers conducted experiments on mice and zebrafish to observe the effects of pesticide inhalation.
Results revealed that prolonged exposure to chlorpyrifos was linked to a more than 2.5 times increased risk of developing Parkinson’s. In mouse models, the pesticides led to movement issues akin to Parkinson’s symptoms, alongside loss of dopamine neurons and increased inflammation in the brain.
According to a press release regarding the study, zebrafish also experienced brain cell damage linked to metabolic failures within those cells.
Dr. Jeff Bronstein, a professor of neurology and director of UCLA’s Movement Disorders Program, mentioned that earlier studies in humans have echoed findings about chlorpyrifos and Parkinson’s disease.
Surprisingly, the researchers found consistent toxicity mechanisms in both animals, which is something you don’t often see.
They emphasized that the association between pesticide exposure and Parkinson’s disease is significant; longer exposure corresponds with a higher risk. Bronstein advises avoiding chlorpyrifos in home use, opting for organic produce, and thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables before consumption.
Research Limitations
However, the study does have limitations. It’s observational, implying that it can point to correlations but not establish direct cause-and-effect relationships. They also inferred exposure levels based on participants’ locations without accounting for diet or specific lifestyle habits. Plus, there could have been interactions with other chemicals, muddying the waters even further.
Industry Reaction
The National Pesticide Information Center notes that chlorpyrifos is used in agriculture to address various pests. People can be exposed through inhalation or contaminated food and water. Although the EPA banned chlorpyrifos for food crops back in 2021, a federal appeals court reversed that decision in 2023, allowing its use to continue as rules are reassessed.
As of January 2026, the EPA has signaled plans to implement a ban on most chlorpyrifos applications. They also mentioned that chlorpyrifos undergoes a registration review every 15 years to align with updated safety standards and scientific knowledge.
Meanwhile, Corteva, a major agrochemical company, announced plans to discontinue chlorpyrifos production in 2020 due to declining demand. BASF also sought to cancel the registration of products containing this pesticide.
In conversation with Fox News Digital, BASF clarified that it doesn’t manufacture or hold any active registrations related to chlorpyrifos.
