Vermont becomes first US state to ban paraquat herbicide over Parkinson’s fears
Summary
Vermont is the first US state to ban the herbicide paraquat due to concerns it raises the risk of Parkinson’s disease. The ban, signed by Governor Phil Scott, takes effect on November 1 but allows special permits for certain fruit crops until 2030.Key Facts
- Vermont passed a law banning paraquat, a weedkiller linked to Parkinson’s disease.
- The ban starts on November 1, with exceptions for some fruit crops through 2030.
- The law requires yearly reports on paraquat use and a study on safer alternatives for farmers.
- Some lawmakers worry the ban might hurt Vermont farmers if other states still allow paraquat.
- Studies from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) link paraquat to Parkinson’s, lymphoma, and childhood leukemia.
- Paraquat has been used in the US since 1964 on crops like soybeans, cotton, and fruit.
- Syngenta, a leading paraquat maker, denies a link to Parkinson’s but faces over 8,000 lawsuits.
- Syngenta announced it will stop making paraquat and selling it in the US and other countries.
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