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Pesticides link to Parkinson’s cluster

Beans, Legumes Selective Focus An increased prevalence of Parkinson’s disease in northwest Victoria has led to speculation pesticides used in pulse production could be behind the cluster.

A study by Monash University and the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health has found rural areas where chickpeas, faba beans, lentils, vetches and barley are farmed have higher rates of Parkinson’s disease.

“This new report – focusing on one possible cause – suggests further research is needed to explore the potential link between the use of pesticides used in farming of pulses and an increased risk of Parkinson’s,” Parkinson’s Victoria said on World Parkinson’s Day.

A study by Monash University and the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health has found rural areas where chickpeas, faba beans, lentils, vetches and barley are farmed have higher rates of Parkinson’s disease.

The researchers identified that four neighbouring local government areas in North West Victoria – Buloke, Horsham, Northern Grampiansand Yarriambiack – are exceptions to the rule that Parkinson’s prevalence does not differ between urban and rural locations.

“This new report – focusing on one possible cause – suggests further research is needed to explore the potential link between the use of pesticides used in farming of pulses and an increased risk of Parkinson’s,” Parkinson’s Victoria said on World Parkinson’s Day.

Recorded cases of Parkinson’s were 78 per cent higher than average in Buloke, 76 per cent higher in Horsham, 57 per cent higher in Northern Grampians and 34 per cent higher in Yarriambiack, according to researchers. Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that within these four rural regions an increased farming production of barley and pulses (chickpeas, faba beans, lentils and vetches) exists.

This correlation has prompted Parkinson’s Victoria to call for further research to better understand the causes of Parkinson’s, including the possible connection between farming practices associated with the production of pulses and an increased risk of Parkinson’s.

“Parkinson’s currently affects over 27,000 people in Victoria and we welcome investment in research projects to learn more about possible causes. This new report – focusing on one possible cause – suggests we should be exploring the potential link between the use of pesticides used in the farming of pulses and an increased risk of Parkinson’s.” said Emma Collin, CEO, Parkinson’s Victoria.

 

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