Parkinson’s Disease is often seen as a mysterious neurological condition, striking without warning and progressing relentlessly. But what if the clues to its origins have been hiding in plain sight, in our soil, our water, and even the air we breathe?
In a compelling op-ed by Nicholas Kristof, published in The Salt Lake Tribune, the spotlight is turned on environmental toxins as potential culprits behind the alarming rise in Parkinson’s cases. With 90,000 new diagnoses each year in the U.S. alone, Parkinson’s is now the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease in the world. And while genetics can play a role in a small fraction of cases, mounting evidence suggests that the way we live, and the chemicals we’re exposed to, may be fueling this epidemic.
One of the most troubling suspects is paraquat, a powerful herbicide that’s still widely used in the United States despite being banned in dozens of other countries. Internal documents from Syngenta, the company behind paraquat, reveal decades of suppressed research and legal maneuvering to protect profits — even as studies showed the chemical caused tremors in lab animals and posed risks to human health.
Kristof shares the story of Steve Phillips, a leadership consultant whose Parkinson’s diagnosis upended his life. As a teenager, Phillips sprayed paraquat on fields during summer farm work. Decades later, he wonders if that exposure was the trigger. He’s not alone; more than 6,000 people with Parkinson’s have sued paraquat manufacturers, seeking accountability and answers.
But paraquat is just one piece of the puzzle. Other chemicals, like trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), commonly used in dry cleaning, have also been linked to Parkinson’s. Former NBA player Brian Grant, who lived on Camp Lejeune as a child, suspects his early exposure to contaminated water there may have played a role in his diagnosis. Studies show veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune had a 70% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s than those at other bases.
Experts like Dr. Ray Dorsey and Dr. Michael Okun argue that Parkinson’s is a man-made pandemic, driven not by a virus but by a “new class of vectors” such as industrial solvents, pesticides, and pollution. Their book, The Parkinson’s Plan, calls for urgent action to reduce exposure and rethink our regulatory systems.
So what can we do?
Advocate for stronger chemical regulations. The EPA still allows paraquat use, despite the risks. Public pressure can help change that.
Support research and awareness. Organizations like the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Brian Grant Foundation are leading the charge.
Protect future generations. Avoid unnecessary chemical exposure, especially in children, and push for safer agricultural and industrial practices.
Parkinson’s may not be entirely preventable, but if we listen to the science and to the stories of those affected, we can begin to turn the tide. The clues are all around us. It’s time we paid attention.