I may have discovered a potential environmental link to MY Parkinson’s disease.

This is theoretical, but it is worthy of serious consideration.

Approximately 85–90% of Parkinson’s disease cases are considered sporadic, meaning they are not inherited and are believed to be strongly influenced by environmental exposures.

Exposure to specific darkroom chemicals, particularly solvents used for cleaning and developing, is linked to a significantly higher risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

The association between photographers and Parkinson’s has been noted for decades, with some calling it “photographer’s disease” due to chronic, direct handling of these chemicals.

One of the most striking facts: Symptoms often don’t appear for decades after exposure.

My exposure timeline:

Ages 15–20 (1980s): Heavy darkroom chemical exposure
Late 20’s – Early 30’s (1990s): Repeated chemical exposure: 1 hour photo lab

Side Note – Ages 7–14: Regular exposure to farming pesticides, including tobacco fields

Diagnosed with PD on 4.16.25 at age 58. Turn 60 in November 2026.

When I step back and look at the volume of chemical exposure over my lifetime, it’s hard not to wonder if these factors played a role.

This is not a conclusion — it’s a question.

But it’s one worth asking.