Neurologist Calls for Hexane Ban in Food Industry Following Parkinson’s Research
PARIS – A leading french neurologist is sounding the alarm about the neurotoxic effects of hexane, a solvent widely used in the food industry, urging its immediate elimination. Dr. David Devos, a neurologist at Lille University Hospital and professor of medical pharmacology at the University of Lille, has been a long-time advocate for both treating and preventing debilitating neurological diseases like Parkinson’s. His call to action follows years of research into innovative treatments for Parkinson’s, alongside a growing understanding of environmental risk factors.
Driven by witnessing a constant influx of new Parkinson’s patients, Dr. Devos began exploring option treatment methods in 2004, focusing on directly delivering dopamine to the brain via a pump. Recent studies suggest this intracerebral infusion method might potentially be substantially more effective than traditional medication, with a larger clinical trial planned for late 2026. However, Dr. devos emphasizes that treatment is only one piece of the puzzle. He believes a proactive approach-reducing exposure to neurotoxic substances-is crucial in combating the rising rates of neurodegenerative diseases.
Just weeks ago, Dr. Devos co-authored an article in Le Monde specifically warning about the dangers of hexane exposure. Hexane, commonly used to extract vegetable oils, is a known neurotoxin linked to peripheral neuropathy and, increasingly, to an elevated risk of Parkinson’s disease. While regulations exist, Dr. Devos argues they are insufficient to protect public health.
“I’m tired of seeing new affected patients every day in consultation,” Dr. Devos stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation. He believes eliminating hexane from the food industry is a vital step in preventing future cases of Parkinson’s and other neurological disorders. The call for a ban underscores a growing movement within the scientific community to address environmental factors contributing to these diseases, shifting the focus beyond solely genetic predisposition and age-related decline.
