Proposed legislation aims to outlaw the weedkiller paraquat, linked to severe health issues like Parkinson's disease and leukemia.
Clara Harter reports for The Los Angeles Daily News.
In short:
- Paraquat, banned in more than 60 countries, is under scrutiny in California for its health risks.
- AB 1963, introduced by Assembly member Laura Friedman (D-Burbank), targets a 2026 phase-out in fields and orchards.
- Exposure concerns are heightened in agricultural communities, especially affecting Latino populations.
Key quote:
"California needs to be a leader in eliminating highly toxic herbicides like paraquat. We need to put public safety and environmental sustainability first and foremost in keeping with California values."
— Laura Friedman, California State Assembly member (D-Burbank)
Why this matters:
Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide linked to Parkinson's disease, ALS, cancer and other serious health conditions. Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Syngenta, the main manufacturer of paraquat, alleging that the company failed to adequately warn consumers about its potential harms.
Learn more about how rural communities of color and farmworkers are disproportionately exposed to some of the most dangerous chemicals used in agriculture: EHN's series Adrift is available in English and in Spanish.
