Summary
This narrative review examines the epidemiological and experimental evidence linking pesticide exposure to Parkinson's disease risk. The author synthesises findings from population studies and laboratory research on pesticide neurotoxicity, acknowledging that whilst some epidemiological studies report statistically significant associations, results remain inconclusive partly due to measurement challenges and pesticide heterogeneity. The review contextualises recent policy developments, including PD's recognition as an occupational disease in France and Germany.
Regional applicability
The findings are internationally relevant; however, the explicit mention of occupational disease recognition in France and Germany's March 2024 recommendation suggests particular applicability to European policy frameworks. United Kingdom agricultural workers and occupational health policy may benefit from consideration of similar recognition criteria, particularly given comparable pesticide use patterns in European farming systems.
Key measures
Parkinson's disease incidence/prevalence in relation to pesticide exposure; neurotoxicity endpoints in experimental models; occupational disease recognition criteria
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises epidemiological evidence (cohort and case-control studies) and experimental research on pesticide neurotoxicity to evaluate associations between pesticide exposure and Parkinson's disease risk. It examines both population-level associations and mechanistic evidence from in vitro and in vivo models of dopaminergic neuronal damage.
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