The Link Between Parkinson’s Disease and Golf

7 hours ago
2 min read

A recent study found that individuals whose drinking water came from areas with golf courses had nearly double the odds of developing Parkinson's disease (PD) compared with those from regions without golf courses.

Golf courses use relatively large amounts of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides to manage greens and fairways. Numerous pesticides, such as paraquat, maneb, glyphosate, and rotenone, have been linked through experimental or observational studies to mechanisms associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), as well as other issues related to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cognitive decline.

The study looked at populations closest to golf courses (139 courses) and incident PD cases. They determined that living within 1 mile of a golf course was associated with 126% higher odds of developing PD vs living over 6 miles away. The study also found larger effects for people in municipal water service areas that contained a golf course and for regions with vulnerable groundwater, suggesting contaminated drinking water as a possible exposure route. Groundwater is vulnerable to wash-off and pesticide contamination.

Multiple studies have found associations between certain pesticides (paraquat in particular) and increased health risks. However, the studies are mostly observational and can't establish causation for lifestyle factors in these types of situations. However, understanding and mitigating environmental exposures like these could be crucial steps towards health and disease risk.

We are constantly exposed to various toxicants, so it's important to ensure you maintain healthy detox pathways for your body and possibly even get tested to implement any necessary cautions particular to your health.

Other action items you can implement include:

Determine where your drinking water comes from.
Consider testing your tap water and using water filters (reverse-osmosis).
Ask your local golf course or local authority about pesticide practices (products used, application schedules, integrated pest management, or low-chemical programs).
Check with your gardener regarding the practices on your property.
Choose Quality Foods: Organic produce, grass-fed meats, low-mercury seafood, and fewer packaged foods are a few ways to reduce the pesticides and chemicals you are exposed to. If you're unable to source all your food as organic, focus on the Dirty Dozen.
Using HEPA-certified air filters or simply opening your windows may help. Dust/vacuum regularly to keep particulate matter from recirculating.
After a golf session, remove shoes before entering your home. Wipe down clothing, shoes, bags, and clubs. Shower immediately to remove any residue.
Plant vegetative barriers (shrubs, trees) along property edges to reduce chemical drift.
Advocate for notification policies (residents alerted before pesticide applications).
Support low-chemical maintenance programs for the course and surrounding areas.