In California, low-income Latino communities are disproportionately exposed to paraquat, a weed killer associated with Parkinson's disease, according to a recent analysis.
Liza Gross reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Paraquat, identified as highly toxic, is primarily used in five agricultural counties with predominantly Latino, low-income populations.
- The Environmental Working Group's analysis reveals that over 5 million pounds of paraquat were used between 2017 and 2021, raising concerns about its impact on health.
- Legal actions and scientific studies highlight the urgent need for regulatory reassessment, given the strong evidence linking paraquat exposure to Parkinson's disease and other health risks.
Key quote:
"Few pesticides are more toxic than paraquat, and it's used heavily in California, in poor Latino communities in particular."
— Scott Faber, senior vice president of government affairs at EWG
Why this matters:
Even brief contact can lead to immediate health problems, including lung damage, heart failure, and kidney failure. Long-term exposure, particularly for agricultural workers and those living near treated areas, has been linked to more insidious health outcomes.
