The Medical Expert Advisory Council for Occupational Diseases has now recommended that “Parkinson’s syndrome caused by pesticides” be recognized as an occupational disease. It is now only a formality that the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs will include this in the list of occupational diseases, probably in the second half of 2024.
It is factual Parkinson’s disease acquired through pesticides already recognized as an occupational disease. This means that those affected are now entitled to support and, if necessary, compensation; the respective professional associations are responsible.
Around twelve years ago it was first noticed that this was certain Pesticides the Trigger neurological disease Parkinson’s. “It is good and right that Parkinson’s disease, caused by exposure to pesticides, is now finally recognized as an occupational disease. This implements a long-standing union demand. There are many people affected who absolutely need to be helped medically, psychologically and financially. There is now a basis for this,” says Harald Schaum, deputy federal chairman of the Industrial Union for Construction-Agriculture-Environment. The union represents, among other things, the agriculture, forestry, horticulture and floristry sectors. Many employees are therefore affected by this decision.
Schaum advises everyone who handles pesticides to wear protective clothing: gloves, full-body protective suits, sufficiently protective cabin vehicles, breathing masks, appropriate shoes and more. “It’s best not to use pesticides at all.” All employees who are either already suffering from Parkinson’s disease or are showing early signs of it should contact the relevant professional association. However, if you are not sure whether the symptoms you are experiencing can be traced back to handling pesticides, you should contact your family doctor and possibly one Request a referral to a specialist.
Pesticides refer to many different substances and combinations of substances that are used as plant protection products or biocides. They are toxic to plants (herbicides), insects (insecticides) or fungi (fungicides). For example, in the USA, France and Italy, Parkinson’s disease, acquired through pesticides, has long been recognized as an occupational disease.
It is estimated that in Germany around 400,000 people suffer from Parkinson’s disease are. According to the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Parkinson’s usually occurs in older adults. The vast majority of those affected are at least 60 years old. However: 10 of all Parkinson’s patients develop the disease before the age of 50. Even young people as young as 20 can be affected, although rarely. Movement disorders such as tremors, slow movements, muscle stiffness and balance disorders are typical for Parkinson’s disease. The reason for the symptoms is the loss of nerve cells in the brain stem and an associated deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine. It is not finally clear why the cells die.
According to the DZNE, Parkinson’s disease has so far been diagnosed not curable. However, with appropriate therapies, the disease can often be well controlled for years. Drug treatment, such as taking dopamine precursors, plays an important role.