"The assembly member explained that paraquat is primarily used by fruit growers to prevent weed growth, adding that many other countries have already banned the chemical. More than 70 countries, including the countries where paraquat is manufactured, ban its use, she said. China has banned paraquat for use in its country, yet it is a prime manufacturer of the restricted-use chemical. In 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decided to keep allowing paraquat in the U.S. despite public concern and studies linking it to health risks."
New Yorkers and health advocates rallied at the State Capitol to support legislation that would ban paraquat, a herbicide many health officials consider toxic. Researchers and lawmakers said paraquat has been linked to Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative movement disorder affecting about 1.1 million Americans. Studies, including a 2024 UCLA Health study, reported that ambient paraquat exposure at residences and workplaces was associated with Parkinson’s, with patients living and working near agricultural facilities and applying more herbicide than community controls. Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal introduced A.1007A to prohibit distribution, sale, and use of pesticides containing paraquat. She said more than 70 countries have banned paraquat, including China, even though China manufactures it. The U.S. EPA continued allowing paraquat in 2021, and a lawsuit led a court in 2025 to pause the case for EPA reconsideration of risks.
Read at www.amny.com
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