The desire for a weed-free lawn may have serious long-term health consequences, according to a study recently published in the journal BMC Neurology. The study strongly suggests links between long-term use of pesticides and the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
The survey of more than 300 people who suffer from the disease showed that they were more than twice as likely to have used pesticides than relatives who did not develop Parkinson’s.
The neurological disease affects simple tasks such as walking, talking or writing. William Scott, a University of Miami doctor who worked on the study, told the Guardian, “These tended to be people who used a lot of pesticides in their homes and in their hobbies.”
Consumers buy these products under the impression that they are safe for home use. Under capitalism, safety concerns and regulations are secondary to expediency in getting products to the market.
