This toxic pesticide is banned in 70 countries, but still legal in America
Paraquat, a pesticide linked to Parkinson’s, has killed thousands of people around the world. But American farmers are still exposed to it.
Toxic threats
The chemicals used in everything from perfumes to cleaners to fertilizers should make our lives better — not harm our health or our environment.
There are more than 80,000 chemicals on the market in the United States, used in everything from perfumes and household cleaners to fertilizers and industrial solvents. Surprisingly, most chemicals go into use without testing their long-term impact on our health or the environment. We should make sure that any chemical in use is safe, eliminate any we know are dangerous, and when industries make a toxic mess, we should know right away, and they should pay to clean it up.
The Latest on Toxic threats
Congress could take away protections from dangerous pesticides
Are pesticides as dangerous to your health as smoking?
Updates
We’re making your voice heard on mercury pollution
REI commits to eliminating PFAS from its products
Eckerd College class welcomes PIRG advocate Danielle Melgar for a guest lecture
Featured Resources
Pollution in the path of Hurricane Milton in Florida
Accidents Waiting to Happen
Accidents Waiting to Happen: Hazardous Materials by Rail
Accidents Waiting to Happen: Oil Pipelines
The Latest
Type
The source and spread of “forever chemicals”
PFAS, known as “forever chemicals”, are linked to a number of health issues. What are common sources of PFAS and how are we exposed?
Public urges Minnesota officials to bar 3M from releasing PFAS
35k+ public comments submitted calling on Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to prohibit 3M from discharging toxic PFAS chemicals into Mississippi River.
Progress toward a future safe from PFAS “forever chemicals”
Dangerous PFAS chemicals are common in drinking water and household items – but these recent victories are making a safer future possible.
Statement: New rule will aid PFAS clean-ups
EPA lists two toxic PFAS chemicals under Superfund law