Eleven of the 50 chemical pesticides tested inhibited an enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). ALDH’s job is to detoxify aldehydes to protect dopamine cells. When this doesn’t occur, the dopamine cells float around the body, which exposies them to chemicals. It’s this chemical exposure that increases the risk of Parkinson’s overall, explains study author Beate Ritz, MD, PhD, professor of epidemiology at University of California, Los Angeles. About half of the U.S. population carries a genetic variant of the ALDH2 gene that makes them even more susceptible. In fact, the strength of the risk depends on an individual’s genetic makeup, which in the most pesticide-exposed populations, could increase the chances of developing the disease by 2- to 6-fold. “We were very surprised that so many pesticides inhibited ALDH and at quite low concentrations, concentrations that were way below what was needed for the pesticides to do their job,” says study author Jeff Bronstein, MD, PhD, professor of molecular toxicology and neurology at UCLA. “These pesticides are pretty ubiquitous, and can be found on our food supply, and are used in parks and golf courses and in pest control inside buildings and homes. So this significantly broadens the number of people at risk.” The best way to protect your family from the growing list of problems associated with chemical pesticides? Eat organic, whole foods as much as possible, use less toxic bug control measures in your home, and use these organic lawn care tips. More from Prevention: 5 Foods You Should Always Buy Organic
