Albany is Trying to Ban Paraquat!
- Stephanie Soto
- 21 hours ago
- 2 min read
Last week, lawmakers in Albany introduced legislation to ban the use of paraquat in New York state. Paraquat is an extremely toxic herbicide and is closely linked to Parkinson's Disease. Watch the news segment below that was made 2 years ago about the link between PD and Paraquat.
Paraquat is banned in more than 70 countries, including China, Brazil, and the European Union. Assembly member Linda Rosenthal and State Senator Pete Harckham proposed this bill with the support from the Environmental Working Group.
“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. 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. 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, chair of the Assembly Committee on Housing.
“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.” - Harckham, chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee.
Contact your state representatives to help get this bill passed!!!
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