Exposure to pesticides in agriculture and Parkinson's disease in users of a public health service in Paraná, Brazil

Abstract Background Parkinson's disease and exposure to pesticides have been increasingly studied given the increased consumption of pesticides, and disregard for harmful effects on the environment and human health. Objective To analyze the association between exposure to pesticides and the occurrence of Parkinson's in patients of the neurology outpatient clinic of the University Hospital of Western Paraná. Method Cross-sectional case series survey with data collected from hospital electronic systems to identify users diagnosed with the disease who used the service from 2012 to 2017, developed through interviews. Results Thirty two out of 48 individuals identified were interviewed, most were elderly (87.48%); with low education (53.13%); no familial history of the disease (87.48%), had some type of life-long agricultural activity (78.11%); had contact with pesticide (74.98%). From the individuals that had been exposed to pesticides, 50% had direct contact, and the time elapsed between exposure to pesticides and onset of disease symptoms was longer than 20 years in 75% of cases. Sixteen types of pesticides were mentioned. Conclusion Our results suggest a possible association between exposure to pesticides and the occurrence of Parkinson's disease.