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Exposure to common
petroleum-based hydrocarbon solvents, such as paints and glues,
may result in the development of early-onset Parkinson's disease
(PD) symptoms as well as a more severe disease course,
say Italian researchers
"Exposure to hydrocarbon-containing
solvents was detected in nearly 20% of all patients with PD in our
center," according to lead author Dr. G. Pezzoli
of the Istituti Clinici di Perfezionamento in Milan, and colleagues.
"The percentage increased to 30% in men, a finding to be expected
in our industrial area where men predominate among the laborers
with occupations at risk."
Researchers found that those exposed to
hydrocarbon solvents were an average of three years younger at first
sign of disease symptoms and that the severity of disease symptoms
was directly related to the amount of hydrocarbon exposure that
was experienced.
Researchers identified nine occupations within the study group
that accounted for more than 91 percent of the hydrocarbon solvent
exposure. The most common occupations of those exposed were petroleum,
plastic and rubber workers. Other occupations found to have frequent
hydrocarbon exposure were painters, engine mechanics and lithographers.
"These findings raise serious questions about specific occupational
risk," said study author Gianni Pezzoli, MD, of the Parkinson
Institute in Milan, Italy. "This study more than merits further
investigation into job-related Parkinson's risk factors."
Parkinson's disease is a slowly progressive, neurodegenerative
disease caused when a small group of brain cells die that control
body movement. Symptoms generally include tremor in arms and legs,
rigid muscles, slowness of movements and impaired balance. Parkinson's
disease currently affects more than 500,000 Americans.
Neurology September 2000;55:667-673.
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