This study examined the association between Parkinson's disease (PD) and ex
posure to pesticides. A series of meta-analysis of peer-reviewed studies we
re performed using 19 studies published between 1989 and 1999. Prior to the
meta-analysis, all studies were reviewed and evaluated for heterogeneity a
nd publication bias. Significant heterogeneity among studies was detected a
nd combined odds ratio (OR) was calculated using the random effect model. T
he majority of the studies reported consistent elevation in the risk of PD
with exposure to pesticides. The combined OR studies was 1.94 [95% confiden
ce interval (95% CI) 1.49-2.53] for all the studies, and 2.15 (95% CI 1.14-
4.05) for studies performed in United States. Although the risk of PD incre
ased with increased duration of exposure to pesticides, no significant dose
-response relation was established, and no specific type of pesticide was i
dentified Our findings suggest that exposure to pesticides may be a signifi
cant risk factor for developing PD. (C) 2000 Inter Press, Inc.