Paraquat Linked to Parkinson’s Disease
Paraquat is a chemical agent used primarily as a herbicide in no-till farming. It’s most commonly used as a spray, banned in 32 countries across the world, including the European Union and China, it has not been banned in the United States yet. In fact, the use of paraquat in the U.S. has only continued to grow in recent years. Leading to an increase in the prevalence of Parkinson’s Disease.
Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease
A few studies have linked paraquat to Parkinson’s disease. One study found people who used paraquat and another pesticide called maneb had an increased risk of as much as 600 percent of developing Parkinson’s, according to a 2017 letter from Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council to the EPA.
What is Paraquat?
Paraquat dichloride (paraquat) is a chemical agent most commonly used as a herbicide. Although it was first produced more than 130 years ago, its applicationas a herbicide did not become popularized until the mid-20th century. Paraquat is now used as a herbicide agent on a range of more than 100 different types of crops.
Paraquat In Farming
Paraquat is a chemical agent used primarily as a herbicide in no-till farming. It’s most commonly used as a spray, being a less labor-intensive alternative to discing/standard tilling farming.
