35 Years Finds That People Exposed to Pesticides Face a 61-71% Higher Risk of Developing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, According to a Study

The research focused on occupational exposure, noting that workers such as harvest laborers, pesticide mixers, greenhouse staff, and warehouse packers can inhale or absorb high doses quickly. Men exposed at work were twice as likely to develop ALS as those who weren't. Pesticides are chemicals used to control weeds, insects, rodents, and fungi, while ALS damages motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and death. About 35,000 people in the U.S. have ALS, and roughly 80% die within five years of diagnosis.

The study establishes a link but not a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Previous research has tied high-dose exposure to blood diseases, respiratory issues, hormonal disorders, nerve damage, infertility, and some cancers.