health
March 4, 2026
Syngenta says it will stop making pesticide linked to Parkinson’s disease
Company will halt production of controversial paraquat weed killer by end of June as it faces thousands of lawsuits
TL;DR
- Syngenta will cease production of its paraquat weed killer by the end of June.
- The company faces thousands of lawsuits in the US alleging paraquat exposure caused Parkinson's disease.
- Syngenta cited "significant competition" from generic producers and a "less than 1 percent" contribution to global sales for the decision.
- The company maintains that paraquat is safe when used according to label instructions.
- Experts like Michael Okun called the decision a "public health milestone."
- Paraquat has been used in the US since 1964 but is banned in several countries, including Europe.
- Internal corporate files suggest Syngenta was aware of research linking paraquat to Parkinson's decades ago and sought to influence scientific information and public opinion.
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