Golf course pesticides – Parkinson’s link

Living close to a golf course may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease – that’s the conclusion of new research from the Barrow Neurological Institute in Arizona who anlysed data from local populations living within a 6 mile radius of golf courses. 

The study made the connection between exposure to pesticides used to maintain the condition of golf courses, and a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, the world’s second most common neurodegenerative disorder. People living within a mile of the ‘water service areas’ of 126 American golf courses were found to have double the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease than residents who lived 6 miles away. 

The researchers do not specify the method of exposure, for example from drinking, inhalation, or skin contact, citing only proximity to ‘water surface areas’ and ‘vulnerable ground water regions’. Proximity to areas near golf courses was however identified as a key risk factor in the development of Parkinson’s. 

Could pesticide exposure be causing the Parkinson’s?  

The link between exposure to pesticides and adverse health outcomes has been made before, but researchers in this study were clear to point out that there is no causal link. They did make a strong link between the exposure to pesticides used at golf courses and adverse health outcomes, in this instance, Parkinson’s disease.  

There isn’t a straightforward explanation to help us understand why someone might develop Parkinson’s disease following exposure to pesticides. As with all environmental exposures, genetic and lifestyle factors also play a significant role in the development of diseases, and not all people exposed will become ill. For example, there is a strong link between exposure air pollution and higher risk of developing dementia, but not everyone living in urban settings will develop the disease. But this study raises serious questions about the potential higher health risk of exposure to pesticides for anyone living near to a golf course. 

The use of chemicals in UK golf courses is very tightly restricted, and some types of organophosphates and herbicides are already banned. All golf clubs are required by law to register the use of all chemicals on their grounds.  

Some UK golf clubs have evolved to chemical free turf management programmes and away from reliance on chemicals to achieve prisitine golf greens. For example, a golf club in Cambridgeshire, claimed to be the first in Europe to ditch the use of chemicals on its course, and manage turf health by spraying natural sugars and carbohydrates. 

Is there anything you can do to reduce your exposure? 

If you have any concerns about living near to a golf course, there are a few simple steps that could help to reduce your exposure to any chemicals being used. 

• Filter your drinking water using a gravity based filtering system. 

• Take your shoes off at the door to prevent walking any chemicals on the soles of your shoes into your home. 

• If you live near a golf club, enquire about their turf management process, and if chemicals are used, avoid going outside at times when they are being sprayed. 

Learn more about the use of chemicals on golf courses 

• What is an ‘organic’ golf course, and why aren’t there more of them?
• Top Sustainable Golf Course Locations in the UK 

Image credit: HHaizhen Du