Hidden Risks at Home: Pesticide Exposure (Termite Treatment), Environmental Concerns, and Parkinson’s Disease
Introduction
For many families, home represents safety and security. However, growing research suggests that certain environmental exposures within and around the home—particularly pesticides—may pose long-term health risks. Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, has increasingly been linked not only to genetic factors but also to environmental influences (Dorsey et al., 2020).
For my family, this issue is deeply personal. My mother, Sharon, lived for nearly 20 years in a home in South Florida with no significant prior medical conditions. Over time, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Years later, we learned that termite activity had been present and that chemical treatments had been applied inside the walls and around the home, as was common practice in the 1990s. While causation can never be definitively proven, our family believes that long-term exposure to these chemicals may have contributed to her diagnosis.
Environmental Exposure and Parkinson’s Disease
Scientific research has increasingly examined the relationship between pesticide exposure and Parkinson’s disease. Epidemiological studies suggest that individuals exposed to pesticides have a higher risk of developing PD compared to those without such exposure (Pezzoli & Cereda, 2013). In particular, exposure to certain pesticides has been associated with neurodegenerative effects due to their ability to induce oxidative stress and damage dopamine-producing neurons in the brain (Tanner et al., 2011).
Additionally, pesticides may enter homes through structural treatments, soil contamination, or air pathways, potentially leading to chronic, low-level exposure over time (van der Mark et al., 2012). This is especially concerning in regions like Florida, where pest control practices are common due to environmental conditions.
While research continues to evolve, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has identified pesticide exposure as a significant environmental risk factor under investigation for Parkinson’s disease (NIEHS, 2022). These findings do not establish certainty in individual cases but highlight a broader public health concern that warrants attention and precaution.
Termite Treatments and Indoor Exposure
Termite control methods—particularly those used in past decades—involved applying chemical barriers within walls, foundations, and surrounding soil. Some of these chemicals were designed to persist over long periods, increasing the potential for extended exposure (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2023).
Although regulations have improved over time, historical exposures remain a concern for many families. Indoor exposure is particularly important because it may involve repeated, prolonged contact in enclosed environments, increasing the potential cumulative effect of toxins (van der Mark et al., 2012).
Why This Matters
This issue is not about assigning blame—it is about awareness, prevention, and accountability. Families deserve to know what they are being exposed to and how those exposures may impact long-term health.
Key concerns include:
- Limited public awareness of long-term pesticide exposure risks
- Gaps between emerging scientific research and policy implementation
- Continued use of potentially harmful chemicals in residential settings
For families impacted by Parkinson’s disease, these questions are not abstract—they are deeply personal.
A Call for Policy Change and Advocacy
Given the growing body of research, there is a need for stronger environmental protections and proactive policy measures. Advocacy efforts should focus on:
- Reevaluating the safety of pesticides used in residential environments
- Increasing transparency regarding chemical exposure risks
- Promoting safer, non-toxic pest control alternatives
- Expanding funding for research on environmental contributors to Parkinson’s disease
Public health policy should prioritize prevention—not just treatment—of disease.
What You Can Do
Individuals can play a critical role in driving change by:
- Contacting local, state, and federal legislators
- Supporting organizations advocating for environmental health protections
- Raising awareness within their communities
- Choosing safer alternatives for home and pest control when possible
Collective advocacy can lead to meaningful policy reform and stronger protections for future generations.
Conclusion
My mother, Sharon’s story is one of strength, love, and resilience—but it also raises important questions about environmental exposure and long-term health. While we may never know the exact cause of her Parkinson’s disease, sharing her story is part of a larger effort to protect others.
We cannot change the past, but we can take action to create a safer future.
TogetherForSharon®
In memory of Sharon—raising awareness, advocating for change, and fighting for a Parkinson’s disease cure.
References
Dorsey, E. R., Sherer, T., Okun, M. S., & Bloem, B. R. (2020). The emerging evidence of the Parkinson pandemic. Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, 8(s1), S3–S8.
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). (2022). Parkinson’s disease and environmental factors.
Pezzoli, G., & Cereda, E. (2013). Exposure to pesticides or solvents and risk of Parkinson disease. Neurology, 80(22), 2035–2041.
Tanner, C. M., Kamel, F., Ross, G. W., et al. (2011). Rotenone, paraquat, and Parkinson’s disease. Environmental Health Perspectives, 119(6), 866–872.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2023). Termite control and pesticide use in residential settings.
van der Mark, M., Brouwer, M., Kromhout, H., Nijssen, P., Huss, A., & Vermeulen, R. (2012). Is pesticide use related to Parkinson disease? Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 69(5), 338–344.
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TogetherForSharon® In memory of my mother, Sharon to voice awareness & hope for a Parkinson’s Disease cure
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