Senator Pocock challenges paraquat approval despite Parkinson's risk
Australia approved paraquat's continued use in June. Studies link it to Parkinson's disease.
David Pocock questioned the pesticides authority this week about paraquat, a weedkiller banned in more than 70 countries. A 2011 study found paraquat exposure raised Parkinson's disease risk 2.5 times.
Risk jumped to 4.5 times for workers without protective gear. The authority said there was no convincing evidence of a direct link.
But neurologists have criticized the review for leaving out the landmark study. The authority imposed new conditions.
These included lower application rates and closed-valve packaging. Some crops like sugar cane will be phased out.
Grain and sugar cane growers say the restrictions will hurt weed control. Parkinson's Australia calls for manufacturers to prove the chemical is safe.
- More than 70
- Countries with bans
- June
- Approval date
- 2011
- Study year
Why it mattersA ban would reshape farming practices. If paraquat stays approved, farm workers face a substance most countries have rejected.
AustraliaAustralian farmers currently rely on paraquat for weed control and no-till practices; any change would affect crop yields and soil management across grain, sugar and vegetable farming.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
