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

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Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 5 November 2020

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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 Parkinson’s community to ask senators and representatives to support a bill banning paraquat from use in the country.

Find out more about the reapproval of the pesticide paraquat in the US.

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

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 5 November 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Capturing life with young onset Parkinson’s

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100 for Parkinson’s: patients suffer lower moods, higher stress levels and poorer sleep quality

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Is this wearable device the future of Parkinson’s care?

Could a sea sponge support the search for Parkinson’s disease treatments?

Study finds just six minutes of daily exercise might delay onset of Parkinson’s disease

Machine learning may help predict risk of freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease

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

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 5 November 2020

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Interviews

Capturing life with young onset Parkinson’s

Special reports

100 for Parkinson’s: patients suffer lower moods, higher stress levels and poorer sleep quality

Advances

Is this wearable device the future of Parkinson’s care?

Could a sea sponge support the search for Parkinson’s disease treatments?

Study finds just six minutes of daily exercise might delay onset of Parkinson’s disease

Machine learning may help predict risk of freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease

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