ALBANY, N.Y. – Lawmakers today introduced legislation to ban the use of paraquat, one of the most toxic herbicides allowed for use in the U.S.
The lawmakers cited overwhelming scientific evidence linking the agrochemical to Parkinson’s disease and other serious health harms.
The bill, A. 10074/S. 9094, would amend the state’s environmental conservation law, banning all uses of paraquat statewide. If enacted, this change would bring New York in line with more than 70 countries that have already outlawed the pesticide, including China, Brazil and the European Union.
The proposal was authored by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal (D/WF-Assembly District 67) and state Sen. Pete Harckham (D/WF-40th Senate District). The Environmental Working Group is supporting the bill.
“More than 70 countries have already banned the use of paraquat, a clear indication of its toxicity and the serious health issues it can cause in those who have been exposed,” said Rosenthal, chair of the Assembly Committee on Housing.
“Paraquat has long been linked to Parkinson’s disease, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, kidney and thyroid cancer and other serious health problems, even in people who have never directly handled the chemical,” she said. “The health and safety of farmworkers and rural community members must be prioritized over the use of a notoriously deadly weedkiller, particularly with many safer alternatives already on the market.
“Working with the Environmental Working Group, I look forward to passing legislation I have introduced to ban the use of paraquat in New York state and protect the health of New Yorkers for decades to come,” Rosenthal added.
“It is mind-boggling to know that paraquat, a toxic herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease and banned in dozens of countries, is still on the market and available for use in New York state. The long list of health risks associated with this poison can no longer be ignored. Let’s work to pass this bill and rid our environment of this toxin permanently,” said Harckham, chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee.
“Paraquat is so dangerous that it is banned in the countries where it is manufactured and owned – yet it is still used in New York,” said Jessica Hernandez, EWG’s legislative director. “This bill is about protecting farmers, farmworkers and those families who live in rural communities from a chemical that should never have been allowed to remain on the market.”
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation says paraquat is sold in 47 counties and reportedly used in 28 counties across the state, although use has gradually declined.
Once it’s been sprayed on crops, paraquat builds up in the environment and takes years to break down in soil. Having settled in the soil, it then drifts as contaminated dust, putting neighbors at risk, even those who don’t work in agriculture.
Evidence of health harms
The science linking paraquat to Parkinson’s disease is clear. Multiple studies have found that people who work in or live near fields where paraquat is sprayed face a much higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
“Farmers who handle paraquat face a 150% higher risk of Parkinson’s disease, and the risk doubles for people who live or work near where it is sprayed,” said Dr. Ray Dorsey, professor of neurology at the University of Rochester Medical Center and a leader in Parkinson's disease research and care.
“In laboratory studies, paraquat reproduces key hallmarks of the disease, including tremors. Yet this toxic weedkiller is still used across New York state, sowing the seeds of future illness. More than 70 countries, including China, have banned this 60-year-old chemical. It’s long past time for New York and the U.S. to do the same,” he said.
One study using data from the National Institutes of Health found that those who applied the weedkiller on farm fields were twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease as those who handled other crop chemicals.
Paraquat exposure has also been associated with other serious health harms, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma and kidney and thyroid cancer. In rural areas, prenatal exposure is also linked to a higher risk of childhood leukemia.
“Decades of research is clear: exposure to paraquat increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease,” said Zach Hardy, senior state government relations manager for The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
“New York state can lead the nation in combating the public health risk that paraquat poses by banning the use of this dangerous herbicide. Together, we can ensure a healthier future for New Yorkers,” he added.
The Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing the risks of paraquat use, but a final decision by the agency about whether to restrict it – and how – is likely years away.
Waiting for the EPA to act leaves New Yorkers unnecessarily exposed to the toxic herbicide, the lawmakers and environmental advocates warn.
“New York should not have to wait for federal action when the science is clear and the risks are real,” said Hernandez. “A paraquat ban is the only way to protect those who grow our food and the communities who live near farm fields.”
What other advocates are saying
Adrienne Wald EdD, MBA, RN, MCHES, FNYAM, Northeast Regional Forum organizer for Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments
“Nurses in New York applaud A. 10074/S. 9094 aimed to prohibit the use of the highly toxic weedkiller paraquat. We are glad New York lawmakers are leading to protect citizens from the unsafe risks of exposure to continued paraquat use in agriculture and the potentially devastating health impacts primarily felt by our farmworkers, farmers, and rural communities.
“Strong scientific evidence has shown its use poses an unreasonable risk to these communities with numerous studies indicating people who use or are exposed to paraquat are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease and other adverse health conditions, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma, renal cancer, thyroid cancer, and childhood leukemia.
“Nurses have a duty to protect public health by opposing the use of dangerous chemicals and this bill will further protect New York residents and public health.”
Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment
“It’s rather shocking that New York still allows toxic paraquat to be used for weed control. This highly toxic chemical has been banned in 70 countries due to its harmful effects to public health as well as mammals, birds, wildlife and bees. It is incredibly toxic and one small sip can be fatal. It lasts up to six years in soil, allowing for exposures to persist.
“Paraquat has links to Parkinson’s disease and cancers, including childhood leukemia, as well as thyroid and kidney damage. CCE thanks Sen. Harckham and Assemblymember Rosenthal for championing this legislation and fighting to protect New Yorkers from dangerous exposure to paraquat.”
Bobbi Wilding, executive director of Clean+Healthy
“How many people have to suffer the harms of paraquat before we say enough’s enough? How many more nations will have to ban it before we act? Thanks to Sen. Harckham and Assemblymember Rosenthal, New York can say ‘not one more’ by passing their legislation now.
“More than 20% of our state's land is in agriculture. Data shows that paraquat has been in widespread use in our state. But farming without the toxic pesticide paraquat shows the same long-term yields as with it. For the health of New York's 160,000 farmers and farmworkers, their neighbors, and our environment, the Senate and Assembly should pass this bill immediately."
Jennifer Sass, a senior scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council
“Paraquat is a highly dangerous herbicide that remains on the market only because regulators have ignored clear evidence of its harm, including links to Parkinson’s disease. Disregarding science doesn’t eliminate the risk – it protects corporate profits while putting people in danger. We support New York state’s decision to follow the science and protect New Yorkers with this bill.”
Andi Lipstein Fristedt, executive vice president and chief strategy and policy officer for the Parkinson’s Foundation
“The Parkinson’s Foundation is dedicated to improving care for people living with Parkinson’s disease, advancing research toward a cure, and focusing on prevention. Research has shown a strong link between exposure to paraquat and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
“The Foundation strongly supports A. 10074/S. 9094 to ban paraquat in New York state and calls on its legislature to pass this bill, protect New Yorkers and help create a world where fewer people develop Parkinson’s disease in the first place.”
Margaret Preston, president of Power Over Parkinson’s
“A. 10074/S. 9094 is an instrumental next step in banning the toxic herbicide paraquat, which is linked to Parkinson’s disease in addition to other serious illnesses. If this bill is passed, it will ensure the safety of our farmers in the state of New York.”
Clariss Mancebo, policy and development associate for Re:wild Your Campus
“Re:wild Your Campus is eager to support this bill. Paraquat has been banned in over 70 other countries and is continuously linked to Parkinson’s disease along with several other cancers and reproductive/developmental disorders. There is absolutely no need to continue the use of such a dangerous chemical. A. 10074/S. 9094 will protect all New Yorkers from being exposed to such a hazardous chemical.”
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The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
