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Pesticide Exposure Could Increase Susceptibility to COVID

Summary by Cindy Olmstead

A new study shows a potential link between exposure to organophosphate pesticides and an increased susceptibility to COVID-19 infection. Veterans are especially at risk, since many are exposed to organophosphate pesticides during wartime. 

The cause of Gulf War Illness is thought to be caused by exposure to organophosphate pesticides. More than 25% of Gulf War veterans suffer from this illness with chronic symptoms of fatigue, headaches, joint pain, indigestion, insomnia, dizziness, respiratory disorders and memory problems.

Exposure to organophosphate pesticides could also increase risk for people with metabolic diseases and cancer because they tend to exhibit the same type of inflammation, said Saurabh Chatterjee, a health specialist at Columbia VA Medical Center Research and leader of the research team.

 

SOURCE: Newswise April 26, 2021