A new initiative in California seeks to eliminate the use of paraquat, a toxic herbicide linked to numerous health issues, sparking debate over agricultural practices.
Mike Mechanic reports for Mother Jones.
In short:
- California proposes to ban paraquat, highlighting its harmful effects on health, including increased risk of Parkinson's disease.
- Despite its ban in over 60 countries, paraquat remains in use in the U.S., particularly in California's agricultural sector.
- The bill, AB 1963, aims to phase out paraquat by the end of 2025, reflecting growing concerns over its safety and impact on farmworkers, predominantly Latino.
Key quote:
"Do we really need a 60-year-old pesticide that looks like it could be causing Parkinson’s disease?"
— Bill Allayaud, vice president of California government affairs for the Environmental Working Group
Why this matters:
Paraquat, a highly potent herbicide, is lauded for its effectiveness in controlling weeds and grasses. However, its safety profile has raised significant concerns among health experts, environmentalists, and policymakers.
EHN’s coverage: The evidence linking paraquat to Parkinson's disease is probably the strongest of any pesticide commonly used.
