Paraquat will continue to be used in Australia despite 70 countries banning weedkiller over Parkinson’s disease fears
by Anne Davies from World news | The Guardian on (#76G7N)
Herbicide manufacturer Syngenta had reservations dating back to 1970s but regulator says tighter controls, including phasing out backpack sprayers, can protect workers
Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast
The herbicide paraquat, banned in over 70 countries, will remain legal in Australia despite Parkinson's groups, scientists and neurologists arguing there is a strong correlation between direct exposure and the incidence of the disease.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) announced its final decision on Tuesday following a decades-long review of the highly toxic paraquat and a related chemical, diquat. Both are widely used in Australian agriculture.
Continue reading...