In their report submitted on June 13 to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, experts from the National Institute for Health and Medical Research (Inserm) examined the links between exposure to pesticide products and three neurodegenerative diseases: Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
By analyzing international scientific studies published over the past 30 years, researchers have indeed observed an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, in particular during exposure to insecticides and herbicides (two products from the pesticide family) . This type of exposure is frequent in the agricultural environment, but also among other professionals such as gardeners, carpenters or even veterinarians. Using pesticides at home can also present risks.
If this disease has been the subject of a large number of studies, it is no coincidence: “The same symptoms have been observed in people injecting a drug whose substance is close to herbicides, which has put the flea in the ear of the researchers”, affirms the expert of the team “Health and Environment” of Insem, Isabelle Baldi.
Efforts to be made
Regarding the two other neurodegenerative diseases discussed in the report, the number of studies carried out on the subject is not sufficient, according to the experts, to conclude. “Our work revolved around the synthesis of several documents. Most of the studies at our disposal were carried out on these three diseases, in particular that of Parkinson’s, for which we had between 50 and 100 studies, whereas only one ten have been published on the other two diseases”, explains the researcher.
On the other hand, the harmful effect of pesticides is certain when it comes to cognitive functioning disorders such as, for example, memory disorders which may or may not precede an Alzheimer’s disease. “This effect would be clearer in the event of a history of acute intoxication”, specifies the expertise of Inserm, because there are two kinds of exposure: either daily, by small doses which come into contact with the skin, or in a massive way (what is called acute intoxication), during an accident, by spilling the product on the body.
From the point of view of protection, farmers have difficulty applying the equipment rules necessary to avoid contact with the product. However, a few measures have been put in place, such as “the passage of the substance from powder to granules, which makes it possible to limit exposure”, indicates Isabelle Baldi, before concluding that “a lot of effort remains to be done. “