New occupational disease: “Pesticide-induced Parkinson’s syndrome”

The Expert Medical Advisory Board for Occupational Diseases has now recommended that pesticide-induced Parkinson's syndrome be recognized as an occupational disease. It is now just a formality that the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs will include this in the list of occupational diseases, perhaps in the second half of 2024.

It's realistic Pesticide-acquired Parkinson's disease It is already recognized as an occupational disease. This means that those affected are now entitled to support and, if necessary, compensation; The responsibility lies with the relevant professional unions.

About twelve years ago, it was first noted that this was certain Insecticides the Provoking the neurological disease Parkinson's disease. “It is good and right that Parkinson's disease, caused by exposure to pesticides, has finally been recognized as an occupational disease. This implements a long-standing union demand. There are many people affected who are in desperate need of medical, psychological and financial assistance. The committee: “There is now a basis for that.” Industrial Union of Construction, Agriculture and Environment. The union represents, among others, the agriculture, forestry, horticulture and floriculture sectors. Therefore, many employees are affected by this decision.

Shum advises everyone who handles pesticides to wear protective clothing: gloves, full-body suits, adequately protected cabin vehicles, respirator masks, appropriate shoes and more. “It is better not to use pesticides at all.” All employees who already suffer from Parkinson's disease or are showing early signs of it should contact the relevant professional association. However, if you are not sure whether your symptoms can be traced back to pesticide handling, you should contact your family doctor and perhaps someone else. Request a referral to a specialist.

Pesticides refer to many different substances and groups 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 thousand people suffer from Parkinson's disease We are. According to the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Parkinson's disease usually occurs in older people. The vast majority of those affected are at least 60 years old. However: 10 out of all Parkinson's patients develop the disease before the age of 50. Even young people as young as 20 years old can be affected, although this is rare. Movement disorders such as tremors, slow movements, muscle stiffness, and balance disorders are characteristic symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The symptoms are caused by the loss of neurons in the brainstem and an associated deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine. It is not finally clear why cells die.

According to DZNE, no Parkinson's disease has been diagnosed so far Incurable. However, with appropriate treatments, the disease can often be well controlled for years. Pharmacological treatment, such as administration of dopamine precursors, plays an important role.