States push to ban or restrict paraquat, a herbicide linked to Parkinson’s
Advocates urge aligning U.S. policy with more than 70 countries that have bans
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- Paraquat, a herbicide, is strongly linked to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease.
- Several U.S. states are proposing bills to restrict or ban paraquat use.
- Advocates urge federal action and public involvement to ban this herbicide.
Despite strong evidence linking paraquat to Parkinson’s disease, the herbicide is still legal in the U.S., although some states are moving to restrict or ban it to protect public health. Advocates, including the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA), are also urging action to align federal policy with more than 70 countries that have already banned paraquat.
Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia are pushing to pass bills at the state level that restrict or ban the sale and use of paraquat and other pesticides, including prohibiting their application near schools. As state lawmakers meet in the coming months, more bills are expected to be introduced.
“As federal policy remains uncertain, states across the country are stepping up to protect their communities via state-based legislation that seeks to significantly restrict or ban paraquat,” Anne Hubbard, APDA’s chief public policy officer, wrote in a news story for the nationwide grassroots network dedicated to putting an end to Parkinson’s.
People can contact legislators, share their stories
In Parkinson’s disease, a protein called alpha-synuclein misfolds and forms Lewy bodies, which are toxic to nerve cells. These Lewy bodies can spread from one area of the brain to another, contributing to the rate of symptom progression. Toxic chemicals entering the body via the nose or mouth are thought to increase the risk of Parkinson’s.
Paraquat is a widely used herbicide, a type of pesticide, linked to Parkinson’s. Advocates have been pushing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a rule restricting or banning its use. Earlier this year, the EPA said it would take another look at paraquat’s toxicity, and ask manufacturers for data proving the chemical is safe in real-world settings.
However, there is no guarantee that this regulatory review will align federal policy with countries that have already banned paraquat due to health concerns. Thousands of families in the U.S. have filed legal claims against manufacturers, saying that exposure caused or contributed to a loved one’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s, according to Hubbard.
While the APDA has been calling on Congress and the EPA to act on scientific evidence and recognize safer alternatives, anyone can also join the effort. Citizens can contact state legislators, share personal stories if they believe their Parkinson’s diagnosis is linked to exposure, and urge federal lawmakers to strengthen oversight. For guidance and updates on advocacy opportunities, the APDA provides resources at [email protected].
