Paraquat Banned In Vermont

Vermont has become the first US state to pass legislation banning most uses of paraquat, a chemical herbicide linked to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. The ban was passed in May, marking a significant move in the ongoing debate about the safety of the chemical.

California's Department of Pesticide Regulation studied paraquat in 2024 but chose not to ban it. However, after persistent advocacy from farm workers and environmental groups, the state announced plans to phase out paraquat over a two-year period in August.

The link between paraquat and Parkinson's disease has been suggested by several studies, including one published by Langston, J. W. in 2017 in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease, and another by Dorsey, E. R. et al. in 2023 in the same journal. These studies have prompted researchers and advocates to point to pollutants as a potential trigger for the neurodegenerative condition.

## Why it matters The potential link between chemicals like paraquat and Parkinson's disease is a significant concern, as it could have major implications for public health. If chemicals are contributing to the risk of Parkinson's, reducing exposure to these substances could be a crucial step in preventing the disease. The moves by Vermont and California to ban or phase out paraquat may be an important step in this direction.

The decision by Vermont and California to restrict the use of paraquat may also have broader implications for the use of similar chemicals in other states and countries. As more research emerges on the potential links between chemicals and Parkinson's disease, it is likely that other governments will be prompted to re-examine their policies on these substances.

This article is part of Nature Outlook: Parkinson's disease, a supplement produced with financial support from Aspen Neuroscience, Inc. Nature maintains full independence in all editorial decisions related to the content.