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🇦🇺 Australia /Health & Science

Pesticide Exposure May Significantly Raise ALS Risk, Study Finds

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • A new study suggests workers exposed to pesticides may have a 70% higher risk of developing ALS, a fatal motor neurone disease.
  • The research found men with occupational pesticide exposure were twice as likely to develop ALS compared to those with no exposure, while no increased risk was observed for women.
  • The findings add to evidence linking pesticide exposure to increased ALS risk, though causes of the disease remain poorly understood.

Workers exposed to pesticides in their occupation could face a significantly increased risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal motor neurone disease. A recent study indicates this risk could be as high as 70% higher for those exposed.

add to the evidence suggesting that occupational exposure to pesticides may increase the risk of ALS

— Study authorsSummarizing the implications of their findings regarding pesticide exposure and ALS risk.

Researchers observed that global rates of ALS have been rising concurrently with increased pesticide use, driven by growing pressures on food systems. The study's findings suggest that men with occupational pesticide exposure are potentially twice as likely to develop ALS compared to their counterparts with no such exposure. However, the study did not find a similar increase in risk for women.

Published in the international medical journal The BMJ, the results contribute to a growing body of evidence suggesting a link between occupational pesticide exposure and an elevated risk of ALS. While the precise causes of ALS are not yet well understood, this research highlights a potential environmental factor.

the weight of evidence does not show that paraquat exposure through approved uses increases the risk of developing Parkinson's disease

— Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines AuthorityRegarding the regulator's assessment of paraquat's link to Parkinson's disease, despite imposing restrictions.

Pesticides, a category of chemicals designed to eliminate weeds, insects, and other pests, are widely used in agriculture. Chemicals like paraquat and glyphosate have faced scrutiny in recent years. For instance, Australia's chemical regulator recently implemented new restrictions on the herbicide paraquat, which has previously been associated with Parkinson's disease. Major manufacturers like Syngenta have responded by withdrawing paraquat from the Australian market due to regulatory constraints and supply chain costs.

regulatory constraints … and [an] increasingly expensive supply chain

— SyngentaStating the reasons for withdrawing the herbicide paraquat from sale in Australia.

Despite legal challenges and ongoing scientific debate, many countries have restricted or banned the use of certain pesticides, including glyphosate. The National Farmers' Federation in Australia acknowledges the risks associated with chemical use but emphasizes the critical role of farm chemicals in maintaining food and fiber production. Farmers are reportedly conscious of the risks and support further health research into the matter.

many farmers who are reliant on chemical pesticides support further health research.

— Hamish McIntyrePresident of the National Farmers' Federation, commenting on farmers' stance on pesticide research.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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