The silent threat: How neurotoxic pesticides are impacting brain health

By Dr Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema Group, United Kingdom

Pesticides have long been a cornerstone of modern agriculture, ensuring crop protection and increased food production. However, emerging evidence indicates that certain pesticides pose severe risks to human health, particularly affecting the nervous system. Scientific research has linked various widely used pesticides to neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, developmental disorders, and cognitive impairments.

Despite bans in some regions, many neurotoxic pesticides remain in use, exposing populations—especially children—to harmful effects. This article highlights the dangers of key neurotoxic pesticides, including deltamethrin, difenoconazole, acetamiprid, glyphosate, and paraquat, while urging regulators to take immediate action.

Neurotoxic Pesticides and Their Health Impacts

1. Deltamethrin and Synthetic Pyrethroids

Synthetic pyrethroids like deltamethrin are used as insecticides and promoted as safer organophosphate alternatives. However, research suggests that these chemicals may have significant neurotoxic effects. Studies have linked long-term exposure to synthetic pyrethroids with motor impairment, cognitive dysfunction, and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

A notable example is fenpropathrin, a synthetic pyrethroid that has been identified as a potential environmental risk factor for Parkinson’s disease. Case studies have documented individuals developing Parkinsonian symptoms after prolonged exposure, with laboratory research confirming that pyrethroids can damage dopaminergic neurons—key cells affected in Parkinson’s disease.

2. Difenoconazole and Azole Fungicides

Difenoconazole, a widely used azole fungicide, is known for controlling fungal pathogens in crops. However, recent research indicates that azole pesticides may interfere with steroidogenesis—the process of producing steroid hormones—potentially disrupting neural development.

Although human studies are still limited, animal models suggest that prolonged exposure to these chemicals can impair cognitive function and affect endocrine regulation, which is critical for brain development. This raises concerns about their safety, particularly for pregnant women and young children.

3. Acetamiprid and Neonicotinoids

Neonicotinoids, such as acetamiprid, are among the most widely used insecticides worldwide. Initially thought to be selective for insects, growing evidence suggests that neonicotinoids can affect human neurotransmitter systems, particularly acetylcholine receptors, which are crucial for brain function.

A 2024 study reported that neonicotinoids might contribute to developmental disorders in children, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and behavioral issues. These findings have sparked concerns about the widespread use of neonicotinoids and their potential long-term impact on public health.

4. Glyphosate: The Controversial Herbicide

Glyphosate, the most commonly used herbicide globally, has faced intense scrutiny due to its potential carcinogenicity. However, recent studies also suggest that glyphosate may have neurotoxic properties.

Some research has linked glyphosate exposure to neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Although regulatory agencies remain divided on the severity of glyphosate’s health effects, its pervasive presence in food, water, and the environment calls for stricter safety assessments.

5. Paraquat: A Known Risk for Parkinson’s Disease

Paraquat is one of the most dangerous pesticides and is still used today. Banned in over 70 countries, including the EU and China, it remains legal in the United States and some other regions, despite overwhelming evidence of its toxicity.

Research has demonstrated a strong link between paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease. This herbicide induces oxidative stress in neurons, leading to the degeneration of dopaminergic cells—the same cells damaged in Parkinson’s patients. A 2023 study confirmed that individuals exposed to paraquat had a significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson’s, prompting renewed calls for its global ban.

The Parkinson’s Disease Connection: An Urgent Public Health Crisis

The global rise in Parkinson’s disease cases has been described as a ″Parkinson’s pandemic″ by leading scientists. Research suggests that environmental toxins, including pesticides, are major contributors to this crisis.

A landmark 2018 study emphasised the role of neurotoxic pesticides in the increasing prevalence of Parkinson’s disease. The findings have led to growing advocacy for stricter pesticide regulations, particularly concerning substances known to damage the nervous system.

Regulatory Failures and the Need for Reform

Despite mounting scientific evidence, regulatory agencies have failed to protect the public from neurotoxic pesticides adequately.

• The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has been accused of deliberately stalling practical neurotoxicity assessments. A 2023 report exposed how EFSA’s management allegedly sabotaged efforts to introduce stronger regulations.

• In 2023, a letter from the Dutch National Health Institute (RIVM) to the Dutch minister urged stricter pesticide controls, highlighting gaps in the EU’s current risk assessment processes.

• The EU Commission has refused to implement stronger protections for children and unborn babies, despite clear evidence of pesticide neurotoxicity.

These regulatory failures have led to growing public outrage and campaigns such as PAN Europe’s ″Save Our Brain″ initiative, which calls for an immediate ban on neurotoxic pesticides and stronger safeguards for vulnerable populations.

Protecting Public Health: A Call to Action

Given the substantial evidence linking pesticides to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, policymakers must take decisive action to protect public health.

Key Recommendations:

1. Ban High-Risk Neurotoxic Pesticides—Paraquat, synthetic pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, and glyphosate should be phased out in favour of safer alternatives.

2. Strengthen Pesticide Regulations – Regulatory agencies must adopt stricter neurotoxicity assessments before approving any pesticide.

3. Increase Transparency in Risk Assessments – Independent scientific reviews must guide policy decisions, preventing industry interference in regulatory processes.

4. Promote Sustainable Agricultural Practices—Farmers should be supported in transitioning to biological pest control solutions, which would reduce their reliance on hazardous chemicals.

5. Raise Public Awareness – Consumers and communities must be informed about the risks of pesticide exposure and encouraged to advocate for policy changes.

Conclusion

The scientific consensus is clear: Many commonly used pesticides pose severe risks to brain health, particularly in children and older people. While some governments have taken steps to restrict their use, regulatory failures continue to leave populations vulnerable to these hidden dangers.

Stronger legislation, increased investment in biological alternatives, and public advocacy are critical to ensuring a safer, toxin-free future. The time to act is now—before the next generation pays the price.