In May, lawmakers in Vermont passed the first legislation banning the use of paraquat, a pesticide that has been associated with a two times higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. This bipartisan legislation is the first of its kind, and part of a nationwide public advocacy initiative aimed at addressing this issue at the state and federal levels.
Research into paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease has been occurring for decades. Direct exposure to paraquat is associated with a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s than other pesticides. People who live or work near places where parquat is used also face a higher risk, leading to concerns especially among farmers, agricultural workers, and people living in rural communities.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation has been advocating for a ban on paraquat usage for more than a decade as a preventable environmental risk. Paraquat has been banned in more than 70 countries worldwide, including the European Union and China, due to scientific links to Parkinson’s disease and other health issues.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation has an Advocacy Action Center where you can email your state lawmakers to share your concerns and encourage them to consider bipartisan legislation focused on promoting health policies that help keep Carolinians healthy.
Click here to make your voice heard and share your story.
