Abstract:
Previous studies had reported that pesticide exposure and various types
of pesticides used may cause the symptoms of Parkinsonism. To explore the
association of Parkinsonism in farmers, the risks factors such the demographics
and pesticide exposure and pesticide prevention must be studied. 271
participants that consisted of elderly farmers with average of 50 and above, both
current and former, were selected for this study. The risk factors involved were
analyzed using chi square to determine the association with the risk of
Parkinsonism. Age, pesticide combination and use of organochlorine and
herbicides were the strongest risk factors Parkinsonism (p<0.01). Other risk factors
included medical history, years living in the area, farm size, farming experience
and activities with pesticides and pesticide preparation at home. Use of
medication to treat hypertension and diabetes as well as the correct use of
personal protective equipment was found to reduce the risk of Parkinsonism
(p<0.05). This suggests that there are underlying mechanisms specific for
Parkinson's Disease (PD) as caused by the dopamine loss. The long term exposure
to pesticides particularly organochlorine and all groups of herbicides had begun to
cause the symptoms of Parkinsonism among the farmers. Future studies will be
required for understanding the mechanisms of PD in order to establish the causal
relationship specific to a factor or specific pesticide such as those of
organochlorine, paraquat or glyphosate.
