Vermont becomes first US state to ban paraquat herbicide over Parkinson's fears
7 hours ago
- #environmental-health
- #Parkinsons-disease
- #pesticide-ban
- Vermont is the first U.S. state to ban the weedkiller paraquat due to research linking it to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease.
- The ban takes effect on November 1, with a provision allowing special permits for use on certain fruit crops until 2030, and requires annual data reporting and a state-funded study on alternatives.
- Lawmakers debated the ban, with some concerned about farmer competitiveness and the need for more research, while others emphasized established scientific risks and the need to phase out paraquat.
- Studies, including from the National Institutes of Health, link paraquat to Parkinson's, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and childhood leukemia, with internal Syngenta files showing efforts to downplay these risks.
- Syngenta, the key maker, denies a credible link to Parkinson's but has settled lawsuits and announced in April it will stop making and selling paraquat products, though generic versions remain available.
- Parkinson's cases have more than doubled in 25 years, and advocacy groups like the Michael J. Fox Foundation are pushing for broader bans, urging other states and the federal government to follow Vermont's lead.