Well - there are a subset of PD cases that are identifiably genetically caused. It's likely more complex than just micro toxins, but it is possible that toxins in small quantities could play a role when combined with other genetic factors, etc.

There are chemicals that can kill you with a couple milligrams or less. I would bet that Parkinson's and lots of other diseases involving the brain will eventually be found to be symptoms caused by lots of different things, some genetic and some environmental, and probably lots of different combinations and proportions of each.

> There are chemicals that can kill you with a couple milligrams or less.

Obviously, but they are pretty straightforward things.

This chemical that causes Parkinsons is quite different, it has a complicated method of actually becoming active, and seems to target a very specific part of the brain. Unlike those other chemicals, this one is not something you could predict by simply looking at it.

Which is my point - the straightforward, or easily predicted chemicals we already are cautious about. The issue is the complicated or unexpected ones, the ones with very delayed effects.

I think I see what you mean. There's just so much we don't know at this point, and so many chemicals that we are exposed to even in small amounts, I could totally see some of these diseases being brought on by something common we've never considered. Or by some combination of things that may not be that harmful on their own.

I think it's established that exposure to certain pesticides seems to up the risk of Parkinson.

Reminds me of prions... mad cow disease and the like.