Pesticide exposure from golf course maintenance linked to higher disease rates in a Minnesota study
A new study has found that people living close to golf courses may face a significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, with researchers pointing to pesticide exposure as the likely culprit. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, suggest that the chemicals used to maintain pristine golf course conditions could be affecting the health of nearby residents.
What the Study Found
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic analyzed health records from 419 people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and compared them with over 5,000 healthy individuals in Minnesota and Wisconsin from 1991 to 2015. The results were striking:
- People living within one mile of a golf course had 126% higher odds of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those living more than six miles away
- The risk was highest within 1-3 miles of golf courses and gradually decreased with distance
- Those getting drinking water from municipal systems serving areas with golf courses had nearly double the risk compared to people in areas without golf courses
“The greatest risk of Parkinson’s disease was found within 1 to 3 miles of a golf course, and risk generally decreased with distance,” the study authors wrote.
The Pesticide Connection
Golf courses are known to use substantial amounts of pesticides to maintain their manicured appearance. According to the study, pesticide application on U.S. golf courses can be up to 15 times higher than in European countries. Many of these chemicals—including organophosphates, chlorpyrifos, and 2,4-D—have previously been linked to Parkinson’s disease in other research.
The study suggests two main ways these pesticides might reach nearby residents:
- Contaminated Drinking Water: Pesticides can seep into groundwater that supplies municipal water systems. Previous research has found golf course groundwater contaminated with multiple pesticides, sometimes at levels more than 200 times above health guidance levels.
- Airborne Exposure: Pesticides can become airborne during application and drift to nearby neighborhoods. The study found stronger associations in urban areas, where denser housing around golf courses might lead to higher exposure levels.
What This Means for Residents
The findings are particularly concerning for people living in areas with “vulnerable groundwater”—regions with sandy soils or shallow bedrock where pesticides can more easily reach water supplies. In these areas, residents living near golf courses with vulnerable groundwater had 82% higher odds of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Rodolfo Savica, the study’s senior author and a neurologist at Mayo Clinic, emphasized that this research adds to growing evidence about environmental factors in Parkinson’s disease development.
Important Limitations
While these findings are significant, the study has several important limitations that affect how we should interpret the results:
- The study population was predominantly white (96% of Parkinson’s patients), limiting how well these findings apply to more diverse populations
- Researchers couldn’t account for occupational exposures or other risk factors like head trauma or genetics
- Golf course data was only available from 2013, though most courses likely existed for years before
- The study used distance as a proxy for exposure rather than measuring actual pesticide levels in people’s bodies
The Bigger Picture
Parkinson’s disease affects more than 1 million Americans and is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. While genetics plays a role, environmental factors are increasingly recognized as significant contributors to disease risk.
This study joins a growing body of research linking pesticide exposure to Parkinson’s disease. Previous studies have found elevated risks among farmers, pesticide applicators, and people living in agricultural areas.
What Can People Do?
For people currently living near golf courses, this study doesn’t provide clear guidance on protective measures. However, some general steps might help reduce exposure:
- Consider water testing if you live near a golf course and get water from a municipal system or a private well
- Stay indoors during pesticide application periods if possible
- Support policies that encourage reduced pesticide use on golf courses
The golf industry has been working to reduce pesticide use through the implementation of integrated pest management and alternative maintenance practices, although adoption varies widely.
Need for More Research
The researchers emphasize that more studies are needed to confirm these findings in other populations and geographic areas. They also call for research into specific pesticides and exposure levels that might be most harmful.
“Public health policies to reduce the risk of groundwater contamination and airborne exposure from pesticides on golf courses may help reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease in nearby neighborhoods,” the study authors concluded.
Moving Forward
This research doesn’t mean people should panic about living near golf courses, but it does add significant evidence to ongoing discussions about pesticide use and public health. The findings could inform decisions about:
- Golf course management practices and pesticide reduction strategies
- Water testing and treatment in areas near golf courses
- Residential development planning near golf courses
- Public health monitoring in affected communities
As with many environmental health issues, this study highlights the complex relationships between our surroundings and our health, underscoring the importance of continued research and thoughtful policy-making to protect public health while balancing economic and recreational interests.
For individuals concerned about their risk, discussing environmental exposures with healthcare providers and staying informed about ongoing research remains the best approach. At the same time, scientists work to better understand these critical connections.
