Parkinson's disease, the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder caused by aging, can also be caused by pesticides.

A new study published in the Annals of Neurology found evidence that the chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) is a risk factor of the group of disorders known as parkinsonism. TCE is an OSHA regulated industrial chemical found in soil and water related to runoff from manufacturing sites where it is used.

University of Kentucky researchers studied a small group of Parkinson's patients with a long history of occupational exposure to TCE. The results showed that 14 former employees reporting three or more signs of the disease had worked close to a source of TCE.

Despite the small size of the study, the researchers believe it shows "a strong potential link between chronic TCE exposure and parkinsonism."

[Source: OSHA Compliance Advisor. Subscribe today!]