health
California bans paraquat, highly toxic herbicide outlawed in more than 70 countries
State is US’s largest user of pesticide that is virtually proven to cause Parkinson’s disease
TL;DR
- California is banning paraquat, a highly toxic herbicide linked to Parkinson's disease.
- The pesticide is already outlawed in more than 70 countries, including China, the UK, and the EU.
- California is the largest user of paraquat in the US and its agricultural producer.
- The state's decision follows a 2024 law requiring a re-evaluation of paraquat's health risks.
- Paraquat is linked to severe health issues including death, cancer, heart failure, kidney failure, and lung scarring.
- Research indicates paraquat interferes with dopamine production, a key factor in Parkinson's disease.
- The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) announced the cancellation of the state's last remaining paraquat registration.
- Industry voluntarily stopped using paraquat in California to avoid sharing potentially alarming health data.
- Syngenta, a major producer, withdrew its use permit and announced it would stop producing the substance altogether.
- Public health groups are pressuring the federal EPA to ban paraquat, citing industry influence and weak federal laws.
- A lawsuit against the EPA claims it has ignored scientific consensus linking paraquat to Parkinson's.