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Parkinson’s disease is consistently linked to pesticide exposure. Farmworkers — and nearby communities — are at risk in Rio Grande Valley
By Public Health Watch at MyRGV
· June 3, 2026
· 1 min read
By Daisy Yuhas
This story is part of a series by Public Health Watch and MyRGV.com.
McALLEN — When neuroscientist Kelsey Baker hears the low buzz of planes over her home in the Rio Grande Valley, she grabs her dog and hurries indoors. The drone means the crop-dusters are back, spraying pesticides...
Key takeaway McALLEN — When neuroscientist Kelsey Baker hears the low buzz of planes over her home in the Rio Grande Valley, she grabs her dog and hurries indoors.
Why this matters in The Brownsville
The connection between pesticide exposure and Parkinson's disease has significant implications for Brownsville and the broader Rio Grande Valley. As a major agricultural hub, the Valley is home to numerous farmworkers who are at risk of exposure to pesticides. The Port of Brownsville, which facilitates the transportation of goods, including agricultural products, also plays a role in the regional economy that relies heavily on farming. Furthermore, the proximity of residential areas, including those in Brownsville, to crop fields increases the potential for pesticide drift, putting not only farmworkers but also nearby communities at risk. As researchers like Kelsey Baker continue to study the link between pesticide exposure and Parkinson's disease, it is crucial for local authorities, including the Cameron County government and the Brownsville ISD, to consider the potential health impacts on residents and take steps to mitigate exposure.
About this story
Original reporting by MyRGV . The Brownsville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit MyRGV . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 3, 2026 ·
Source: MyRGV ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Daisy Yuhas
This story is part of a series by Public Health Watch and MyRGV.com.
McALLEN — When neuroscientist Kelsey Baker hears the low buzz of planes over her home in the Rio Grande Valley, she grabs her dog and hurries indoors. The drone means the crop-dusters are back, spraying pesticides...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 3, 2026 by MyRGV and curated for The Brownsville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Public Health Watch at MyRGV. To learn more about how The Brownsville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Brownsville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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