A recent study found that people living close to golf courses had markedly higher odds of developing Parkinson’s disease. The exposure route strongly implicates heavy use of herbicides and pesticides — including the ubiquitous herbicide glyphosate. In this article we explore the new research, the background of glyphosate, why many experts consider it dangerous, and what natural alternatives are available.
The Study: Living Near a Golf Course & Parkinson’s Risk
The study found that living within 1 mile of a golf course was associated with a 126% increased odds of developing Parkinson’s disease compared with those living more than 6 miles away. Study Living in a water service area that included a golf course also had nearly double the odds of Parkinson’s, and in areas with vulnerable groundwater, individuals had 82% greater odds of the disease.
The study shows an association, not causation. Experts hypothesize that chronic low-level exposure to herbicides and pesticides used heavily on golf-course turf may drift or leach into groundwater and drinking water, increasing risk.
Why Glyphosate May Be Implicated
Although the study did not measure glyphosate levels directly, the high use of pesticides and herbicides on turf makes glyphosate a suspect. Glyphosate is widely used, persistent in the environment, and there is growing evidence of potential health risks, including effects on the nervous system and possible links to neurodegenerative conditions.
The History of Glyphosate
Glyphosate (chemical name: N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine) was first synthesized in 1950 and its herbicidal properties discovered by a chemist at Monsanto in 1970. It was launched commercially under the brand name Roundup in 1974. Its mode of action in plants is to inhibit the enzyme EPSP synthase, halting the shikimate pathway (which mammals don’t have) and thereby preventing the production of essential amino acids in plants.
Because of its perceived low acute toxicity to humans and high effectiveness, glyphosate became widely adopted in agriculture, turf and lawn management (including golf courses), and residential uses. Over time, concerns mounted:
- Evidence of widespread environmental presence in soil, water, and even human bodily fluids.
- Potential endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, and possible carcinogenic effects in some studies.
- Regulatory debate: some agencies, like the EPA, consider glyphosate “not likely to be carcinogenic” when used as directed, while others classify it as probably carcinogenic.
The Dangers of Glyphosate
Key concerns include:
- Human exposure & accumulation: Glyphosate can accumulate in human fluids, leading to daily exposure.
- Neurotoxicity & potential Parkinson’s link: Glyphosate may impact neuronal health and contribute to neurodegenerative conditions over time.
- Reproductive & endocrine concerns: Exposure has been linked to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and reproductive effects.
- Carcinogenicity & chronic effects: Animal studies show higher tumor rates with prolonged exposure.
Natural & Safer Alternatives to Glyphosate
- Bio-herbicides and natural extracts: “natural substitutes” using plant-derived molecules.
- Non-chemical weed control strategies: mulching, manual weeding, flame weeding, cover crops, and crop rotation.
- For homeowners/turf: vinegar-based herbicides, plant-oil-based formulations, or low-maintenance lawns requiring minimal chemical input.
Reducing exposure and changing landscaping practices often provides more meaningful protection than simply replacing one chemical with another.
Conclusion
The study linking living near golf courses to a 126% higher odds of Parkinson’s disease highlights the importance of environmental exposures in our daily lives, especially near areas of heavy herbicide use. While glyphosate wasn’t measured directly, its widespread use on turf makes it a likely contributor. Reducing reliance on glyphosate, using natural landscaping practices, and supporting bio-herbicide alternatives can help protect public health. Homeowners may also consider checking their drinking water and reducing other toxic exposures to lower combined risk.
References:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2833716
For more information on glyphosate and safer alternatives, visit EPA Glyphosate Fact Sheet and Kimitec Natural Glyphosate Alternative.
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