Paraquat/Parkinson’s Disease??<BR>Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. <BR>1 million people in US have PD <BR>60,000 people in US diagnosed with PD every year <BR>Men are 1.5X more likely to develop PD than women <BR>Causes: Genetics X Environment (head injuries, residence, occupation, metal exposure, TCE/PCB exposure, pesticides?) X Lifestyle <BR>300+ lawsuits filed against paraquat <BR>Tanner et al. 2011.  Rotenone, Paraquat, and Parkinson’s Disease.  Environmental Health Perspectives 119(6):866-872. <BR>“Our findings, considered together with earlier results, suggest that paraquat use plays a role in human PD.” <BR>Costello et al.  2009.  Parkinson’s Disease and Residential Exposure to Maneb and Paraquat from Agricultural Applications in the Central Valley of California.  American Journal of Epidemiology 169:919-926. <BR>“This study provides evidence that exposure to a combination of maneb and paraquat increases PD risk, particularly in younger subjects and/or when exposure occurs at younger ages.” <BR>Tanner et al.  2009.  Occupation and Risk of Parkinsonism.  Archives of  Neurology 66(9):1106-1113. <BR>“2,4-D, paraquat, and permethrin were associated with more than a 3-fold increased risk of disease, although precision was poor for paraquat and permethrin.” <BR>