This toxic pesticide is banned in 70 countries, but still legal in America

There are a great many pesticides currently used in the United States, but few are more dangerous than paraquat. Not only is paraquat fatal when consumed, it is also linked to a multitude of health problems, such as Parkinson’s Disease, lymphoma and childhood leukemia. 

For these reasons, more than 70 countries have already banned paraquat, including the countries that produce and distribute the pesticide. But Americans are still at risk. 

What is paraquat?

Paraquat is one of the world’s oldest pesticides. It was first introduced in the 1950s, as part of the first generation of commercial pesticides. 

However, paraquat’s best days are far behind it. In the last few decades, more and more of its health risks have come to light, and safer alternatives have emerged. Increasingly, paraquat feels like a dangerous relic of a bygone age. 

Health risks of paraquat

Since its introduction, paraquat has killed thousands of people around the world. One of the biggest dangers is accidental ingestion. Drinking as little as a teaspoon of the liquid can be fatal. 

Children are especially vulnerable to drinking the pesticide out of unlabeled bottles. In Vietnam, paraquat was killing a thousand people every year as recently as seven years ago, leading to the pesticide’s ban. 

Ingestion of paraquat is less common in the United States, but California alone had 50 paraquat-caused deaths over an 11-year period. 

And poisoning is only one of paraquat’s health risks. More recently, numerous studies have established a clear connection between paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease. According to one study, people with Parkinson’s were 250% more likely to have been exposed to paraquat than people without Parkinson’s. 

There is simply no safe way to use paraquat. Americans should not be exposed to its completely avoidable dangers. 

Other countries have banned paraquat

In light of all these hazards, over 70 countries, including the entire European Union, have banned paraquat. That even includes China, Switzerland, and the UK, the countries responsible for producing and distributing paraquat. 

As these countries demonstrate, we don’t need paraquat. There are other, safer ways to protect crops. 

Even the United States has taken a few steps toward acknowledging the danger. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prohibits the use of paraquat on golf courses and other recreational areas. If it’s not safe for golfers, no Americans should be exposed to it. 

It’s time for the U.S. to protect its people from paraquat

The evidence is overwhelming. Paraquat is simply not worth the risks. This January, the EPA will consider whether to renew paraquat’s authorization for another 15 years. We’re calling on them to get rid of this deadly pesticide. 

Will you join us? Tell the EPA to ban paraquat.