Agricultural Workers Face Higher Risk of ALS Due to Pesticide Exposure: Study

Researchers call for better protections for farm workers while more studies are conducted to determine the true neurotoxicity risks of long-term exposure.

Researchers are again warning that occupational pesticide exposure may be increasing the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) among farm workers, potentially leading to progressive neurological damage and eventually death.

According to findings of a new study published in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine on August 4, long-term exposure to all pesticides carry some increased risk of ALS, regardless of type.

Findings dating back years have warned that exposure to many types of toxic pesticides can increase the risk of neurological damage, including ALS, which is often known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The condition attacks the nervous system, destroying key cells in the brain and spinal cord that control motor function. Over time, this can cause impacted individuals to become weaker and weaker, eventually dying of respiratory failure.

There is no known cure for ALS, and the nerve damage caused by the disease cannot be reversed with current medical technology. Treatments are instead focused on easing symptoms and improving quality of life as well as lengthening it. While disease progression rates can vary significantly from person-to-person, the average life expectancy is three to five years once diagnosed.

Pesticide Neurological Damage Research

Research dating back to at least 2016 has warned that agricultural workers suffered high rates of ALS when their jobs frequently exposed them to pesticides. These were similar to ALS rates among military service members who worked closely with known toxic chemicals.

A study published in September 2021 in Neurotoxicology also warned that long-term exposure to the pesticide glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, as well as the insecticides carbaryl and chlorpyrifos could be linked to increased risks of ALS.

Glyphosate and chlorpyrifos have been linked to other neurodegenerative diseases as well. An increasing number of chlorpyrifos lawsuits are now being pursued by farm workers, home owners and former U.S. service members who were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease following exposures to the pesticide. Many of these claims indicate manufacturers of Lorsban and Dursban knew, or should have known, about chlorpyrifos’s health risks, but failed to warn users or instruct them on the need to use proper protective equipment.

Agricultural Worker ALS Risks

In the new study, researchers from the University of Montreal undertook an analysis of eight case-controlled studies conducted between 1990 and 2025, looking at rates of ALS among agricultural workers and comparing that to their occupational exposure to various pesticides. From those studies, the team identified 1,734 ALS diagnoses.

Led by France Labréche, the researchers report that any exposure to pesticides on the job increased the risk of ALS by 60%, with a slightly higher risk associated with weed killers. Higher level regular exposures nearly tripled the risk of the neurological condition, they warned.

“Despite the small number of studies and some heterogeneity, our results add to the evidence suggesting that occupational exposure to pesticides may increase the risk of ALS.”

— France Labréche, Occupational exposure to pesticides increases the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

However, the team indicated that the data from the studies was sparse, calling for significantly more research into pesticide ALS risks and overall exposure effects on the nervous system. In the meantime, they are asking for efforts to better protect agricultural workers from pesticide exposure, saying that the findings “should encourage the implementation of interventions aimed at reducing exposure during occupational pesticide use.”

Chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s Disease Lawsuits

As more scientific research continues to link certain pesticides to crippling and deadly neurological damage, chlorpyrifos injury lawyers continue to investigate potential claims for agricultural workers who developed Parkinson’s disease after long-term exposure.

Compensation may be available for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease following repeated exposure through:

• Personally mixing or applying chlorpyrifos
• Working on a farm during or after chlorpyrifos applications
• Living on a farm where chlorpyrifos was regularly used
• Using chlorpyrifos as a residential insecticide
• Working near chlorpyrifos spraying or pesticide drift
• Occupational exposure through pest control, construction, golf course maintenance or military service during the Gulf Wars

Free consultations and claim evaluations are available for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Attorneys will review the treatment history and products involved, as well as location, duration and circumstances of exposure to determine whether the individual qualifies to pursue a claim.

All chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s disease lawsuits are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront legal fees or expenses, and attorneys are paid only if they successfully obtain compensation.

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