Farmers rely on paraquat, a widely used herbicide, to clear fields, but research suggests it may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease, leading to thousands of lawsuits and ongoing regulatory battles.
Virginia Gewin reports for Civil Eats.
In short:
- Paraquat is banned in more than 70 countries, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allowed its continued use, citing a lack of definitive evidence linking it to Parkinson’s disease.
- Environmental groups and individuals with Parkinson’s have filed lawsuits, challenging both the EPA’s stance and the pesticide manufacturer Syngenta.
- California researchers tracking Parkinson’s cases have found elevated risks among people living near fields treated with paraquat.
Key quote:
“EPA is looking for a level of confidence for causation that is nearly impossible to achieve in public health research.”
— Nathan Donley, Center for Biological Diversity
Why this matters:
Paraquat, one of the most widely used herbicides in the U.S., has long been under scrutiny for its potential health risks. Studies have linked the chemical to Parkinson’s disease, sparking legal battles and renewed calls for tighter regulations. Farmworkers and rural communities, who face the highest exposure, are at the center of the debate. While the Environmental Protection Agency has continued to allow its use with restrictions, lawsuits and scientific findings could force a shift in policy. The outcome of these challenges may not only determine paraquat’s future but also set a precedent for how pesticides are regulated nationwide.
Read more: Higher estimated pesticide exposures linked to ALS risk
