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(or learn to love your dandelions!) FROM: RedNova News How Using Weedkiller Can Raise the Risk of Parkinson's GARDENERS who use pesticides are at a significantly increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease, a study shows. Although farmers and professional gardeners are most vulnerable, researchers warn that those who simply enjoy pottering in their gardens are also at risk. They believe the sprays interfere with chemicals in the brain, causing damage to the nervous system. Professor Anthony Seaton, of the University of Aberdeen, said both amateur and professional gardeners should wear masks and protective clothing whenever using pesticides to minimise the risk. 'These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin but mostly get into the body through inhaling them so they go through the lungs and enter the bloodstream,' he said. 'They are poisonous and that's why you use them. 'The message is a pretty simple and straightforward one. If you are going to use pesticides be very careful. You shouldn't inhale the vapour, you should wear an appropriate mask and protect your skin from getting wet with them.' The study, published today in New Scientist magazine, examined 767 Parkinson's patients and nearly 2,000 healthy people with similar backgrounds. Participants from Scotland, Italy, Sweden, Romania and Malta were asked about potential risk factors associated with the disease, including family history and pesticide use. Those with high exposure levels, such as farmers and professional gardeners, were 43 per cent more likely to develop Parkinson's. But even amateur gardeners, classed as having low exposure, had a 9 per cent increased risk. Parkinson's affects 120,000 people in Britain, with 10,000 new cases every year. The condition is caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain that send chemical messages to neurons controlling the muscles. Symptoms include tremors, stiffness, slow movement and poor co- ordination and balance. Worldwide, one per cent of those over the age of 65 are affected. Michael J Fox and Muhammad Ali are among the best known sufferers. Professor Seaton said many other factors added to the risk of developing the disease. Having a mother, father or sibling with Parkinson's increases the risk by 350 per cent. Being knocked unconscious once raises it by 32 per cent, rising to 174 per cent for those unfortunate enough to be knocked out several times. Pesticides provide a more day-to - day threat. 'If you have a chance of getting the disease through hereditary or other factors, then pesticides increase the risk,' Professor Seaton said. The research did not identify which pesticides were to blame. David Croggon, chairman of the Government's advisory committee on pesticides, said: 'It's possible that just one or two are causing it, but slipped through the regulatory net.' [log in to unmask] Story from REDNOVA NEWS: http://www.rednova.com/news/display/?id=152236 Published: 2005/05/26 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn