Parkinson's Disease Support Group
Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder often characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement, and in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement. The primary symptoms of Parkinsons are due to excessive muscle contraction, normally caused by the insufficient formation and action of dopamine, which is produced in the dopaminergic neurons of the...
Just wondering how many people in this group, like me, grew up in NJ, or even lived here for part of their lives.
Here's an article I found enlightening and scary. What do you think of it?
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526152555.htm An excerpt:
"Researchers found that the combined exposure to ziram, maneb and paraquat near any workplace increased the risk of Parkinson's disease threefold, while combined exposure to ziram and paraquat alone was associated with an 80 percent increase in risk. (Credit: James H. Pickerell / Fotolia)"
Not everyone is shrugging their shoulders about this. Thirty-two countries have already outlawed the use of paraquat (the US is not one of them). Australia may be the next. Here's a television piece from the Australian Broadcasting Co.
http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2012/s3545855.htm
We can't undo the many ways in which we've already contaminated our planet, but we & our families can become proactive in preventing the continued use of chemicals known to cause PD. We can raise awareness by sharing this information with friends & communities. We can write to the EPA & our legislators, and demand that the use of ziram, maneb, & paraquat be either banned or severely restricted. We can learn how our legislators have voted on past environmental health issues, and vote out the ones who consistently favor big business over the health of their constituents ....
WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Lynnie - The way my doctor explained it to me is that a lot depends on the person's age at the time of exposure, concentration of the toxic substance, duration of exposure, exposure to multiple toxic substances, and method of exposure (ingestion, topical, inhaled). He also said some people are biologically more susceptible than others, which is currently being researched.
My husband didn't spray that much, really, so you are probably right . He also worked another job full time besides farming and didn't work the farm for about 8 years before his diagnoses, but he could have had it even before he was diagnosed.