Legislators in Los Angeles are pushing new laws to address hazardous chemicals linked to serious health issues, including Parkinson's disease and cancer.
Clara Harter reports for The Los Angeles Daily News.
In short:
- Assemblymember Laura Friedman is advocating to ban the herbicide paraquat, known to significantly increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
- Assemblymembers Jesse Gabriel and Chris Holden are introducing bills to eliminate harmful food dyes and lead in school drinking water, respectively.
- Assemblymembers Luz Rivas and Josh Lowenthal support banning PVC and PFAS chemicals from plastic packaging to reduce cancer risks.
Key quote:
"This dangerous weedkiller has been used since the 1960s, endangering millions of essential agricultural workers, their families, and local residents."
— Dolores Huerta, labor leader
Why this matters:
Health experts have long warned about the dangers of prolonged exposure to certain chemicals, noting that they can disrupt neurological functions and increase cancer risks. The new laws would likely impose stricter limits on emissions, mandate better safety protocols, and encourage the use of safer alternatives.
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