Vermont Becomes First State to Ban Paraquat Linked to Parkinson's

Vermont has made history by becoming the first U.S. state to outlaw a pesticide connected to organ failure and Parkinson's disease. Governor Phil Scott signed the legislation Tuesday, effectively prohibiting the sale and use of paraquat statewide beginning November 1. This landmark decision marks a significant shift in agricultural safety policy across the nation.

Although fruit farmers may request exemptions to continue using the chemical until 2030, they must cease operations by that deadline. Applicants for these permits must prove no other herbicide can effectively control weeds and demonstrate strict measures to prevent chemical drift onto neighboring properties. The law also mandates annual reporting on paraquat usage and funds state studies to help growers find safer alternatives.

Paraquat is currently sprayed on a wide array of crops including potatoes, grapes, soy, peanuts, and pistachios. While trace residues on store-bought food pose a lower risk, experts remain deeply concerned about long-term exposure for farmworkers and residents living near treated fields. The chemical remains one of the most widely used pesticides in America despite being banned in seventy countries and outlawed in Europe since 2007.

Dan Feehan, a chief policy expert for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, emphasized that decades of research have built a strong case against the herbicide. He argued that other states should follow Vermont's lead while urging the federal government to protect all Americans with a national ban. Some lawmakers worry the move might hurt local farm competitiveness, yet others insist the scientific evidence linking the chemical to neurodegenerative conditions outweighs any potential benefits.

State Representative Michelle Bos-Lun highlighted the urgency of the situation during a House committee hearing. She noted that numerous factors point to a clear correlation between paraquat use and the onset of Parkinson's disease. Her remarks underscored the dual responsibility to phase out the dangerous chemical while simultaneously supporting struggling farmers. The controversy reflects a broader struggle to balance agricultural productivity with public health protection.

The potential damage paraquat inflicts on communities is undeniable," one advocate stated. "If we can reduce that harm through regulation, it is a responsible course of action."

Paraquat has remained a staple in American agriculture since 1964, with annual spraying covering 11 to 17 million pounds across the nation. Despite decades of use, mounting evidence has fueled concerns about its health impacts since studies first surfaced in the 1980s.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation highlights a stark reality: farm workers applying paraquat to weeds in fields and orchards face more than double the risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to those who do not. Residents and workers living near sprayed farms also confront elevated dangers, the foundation notes.

Vermont recently became the first U.S. state to enact a ban on the chemical. Activists now urge other states to follow this lead. Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, signed the legislation into law on Tuesday, signaling a decisive shift in state-level policy.

A study released earlier this month warned that frequent consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains treated with toxic pesticides like paraquat could increase the risk of lung cancer. Experts explain that paraquat triggers brain inflammation and destroys neurons, directly elevating Parkinson's risk. Furthermore, the chemical damages cellular DNA, potentially causing cells to become cancerous or divide uncontrollably.

Thousands of Americans have already sued Syngenta, the manufacturer of Gramoxone, the brand name for paraquat, over these alleged health threats. These lawsuits now form a multi-district litigation in the Southern District of Illinois.

In March, Syngenta announced it would cease production by the end of June, though the company maintained that the pesticide remains safe when used according to label instructions. "Syngenta affirms that paraquat is safe when used in line with registered label instructions," the company declared in a press release.

Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ordered a full reassessment of paraquat's safety, requiring manufacturers to provide rigorous proof of its safety. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin emphasized the agency's proactive stance: "The Trump EPA has made the important, proactive decision to freshly reassess the safety of paraquat. When new science raises questions, the Trump EPA will not look the other way. We will demand the best and most accurate data, and we are prepared to act on what that data shows."

While experts recommend washing fresh produce thoroughly with water to remove pesticide residues, they caution that water alone may not eliminate all traces. They advise against using soaps or special rinses, noting limited evidence that these methods effectively remove residues. Even with proper washing, some pesticide exposure remains inevitable for consumers.