Pesticide that increases Parkinson’s risk by 150% reapproved in the US

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 5 November 2020

Parkinson's LifePrep: Parkinson's LifeCook: Parkinson's LifeServes:

Agriculture worker. Young farmer spraying pesticides

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allowed the continued use of paraquat, a pesticide that increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease by 150%.

The pesticide – which has already been banned in 32 countries – was reapproved by the EPA in October as part of a review of the safety of all herbicides and pesticides in the US, a process which takes place every 15 years.

Many studies have shown that as well as increased risk of Parkinson’s disease, exposure to the pesticide is associated with other health issues and risk of death. Exposure to paraquat endangers both the farmers who use the pesticide, as well as the families who can be exposed to it through the air or transfers onto clothing or other materials.

In response to the reapproval, the Michael J Fox Foundation is calling on the Parkinson’s community to ask senators and representatives to support a bill banning paraquat from use in the country.


Read more:

Improving access to Parkinson’s disease resources on Amazon’s Alexa

Scientists at MIT uncover new clues about Parkinson’s disease

Go Back

Share this story

Comments


Related articles


Special reports

Problems and possibilities: the impact of coronavirus on people with Parkinson’s

The “hidden sorrows and emerging opportunities” of coronavirus

READ MORE
a-neuronal-journey

Europe

Picturing Parkinson’s: scientists capture brain cells in striking detail

Amazing images show Parkinson’s brain cells in microscopic detail

READ MORE
fitness

Special reports

Age, smoking and lack of fitness increase risk of Parkinson’s

More than 7300 male veterans took part in the study

READ MORE