Vermont becomes first US state to ban paraquat herbicide over Parkinson's fears

[erronis]

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/may/26/vermont-paraquat-weedkiller-ban

Lawmakers cite studies linking weedkiller to Parkinson's as pressure mounts for a wider US ban

Vermont is the first US state to ban the weedkilling pesticide paraquat, backed by lawmakers who cited concerns about research showing the chemical substantially increases the risk of the incurable brain ailment known as Parkinson's disease.

Phil Scott, the governor, signed the legislation on Tuesday. The new law takes effect 1 November, though it contains a provision allowing state regulators to issue special permits for paraquat use on fruit-producing tree orchards, berries and other "small fruit" crops up until 31 December 2030.

. . .

"There are so many factors that are pointing to the correlation ... between paraquat use and Parkinson's," Michelle Bos-Lun, a state representative, said in a 13 May House committee hearing about the bill. "We have to do something to phase this out. Our job is to support farmers and to support all Vermonters. My belief is that paraquat is causing harm to both."

. . .

Paraquat has been used in the United States since 1964 as a tool to kill broadleaf weeds and grasses. Though banned in several countries, it is one of the most widely used herbicides in the United States. Paraquat is used in growing soybeans, cotton, and corn as well as in growing grapes, pistachios, peanuts and many other crops.

The chemical is known to be extremely dangerous to anyone who ingests even a small amount, and regulators have issued warnings and placed restrictions on its use because of poisoning risks. But whether or not it causes Parkinson's disease has been a matter of fierce debate.

. . .

[TommyT139]

1. Affordable healthcare and regulation of toxins

...are intertwined: if a country is supporting the health of its people, especially if taxes pay for healthcare, that is a direct incentive to limit pollution and the use of poisons.

Allowing toxins to be spread throughout the environment and infrastructure (plumbing, food production/consumption, transportation, etc.) is likewise evidence that a country is not moving towards health and wellness of its people. Worse, it makes progress towards those goals harder to achieve and far far more expensive.