Key Takeaways:
– American farmers claim paraquat, a widely-used herbicide, causes Parkinson’s disease.
– Despite being banned in over 70 countries, including China and Britain, the herbicide remains available in the US.
– The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to release a final report on paraquat on January 17, 2025.
– Both Syngenta, the owner of Paraquat, and various studies dispute the link between the herbicide and Parkinson’s disease.
A Farmer’s Battle with Parkinson’s Disease
David Jilbert, a 65-year-old Ohio farmer, noticed his hand movements began to slow three years ago. Soon, a tremor developed. The frightening diagnosis came as Parkinson’s disease. A life-changing illness that he believes is deeply connected to his use of paraquat. This is a herbicide he used to control vineyard weeds.
The global Herbicide Controversy
Amazingly, paraquat faces prohibition in more than 70 countries. Britain, where it’s produced, Switzerland, where Syngenta, the owning company resides and even China, home to Syngenta’s conglomerate owner, do not allow its use. Yet, it continues to be accessible in the United States.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), argues that paraquat is secure to use under strict guidelines. Still, Parkinson’s disease advocates desire this to change. A deadline of January 17, 2025, exists for the final report on this issue. Its release is an answer to 90 new studies received from Parkinson’s advocacy organizations like the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Syngenta Refutes the Parkinson’s Connection
In the midst of the controversy, Syngenta swiftly defends paraquat. The company shows sympathy for Parkinson’s sufferers but insists that no scientific evidence supports a link to paraquat usage. They reiterate that when handled as instructed, paraquat is safe.
Yet there are credible studies suggesting that workers in agriculture touch paraquat or live near its application areas face a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease. Animal research further shows paraquat’s nerve cell toxic effects, although proving direct causation in humans remains tough.
Proponents of Paraquat Ban Expand
As the debate rages on, environmental engineer-turned-farmer David Jilbert expresses concern for his community. He pleads for regulations during a congressional hearing. Like Jilbert, Charlene Tenbrink, an 85-year-old California farmer, decided to join the legal fight. Tenbrink, who used paraquat on her prune trees during the ’90s, received a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis last year.
Farmers like Jilbert and Tenbrink are not alone. Thousands of others have filed lawsuits against Syngenta in federal and California state courts.
Farmers’ Big Questions on Herbicide Safety
Farmers often trust the safety of legally available agricultural chemicals. They believe if they use these chemicals as directed, they should remain healthy. But Jilbert now questions this principle and fears that his Parkinson’s diagnosis is merely the start of a devastating journey.
His condition remains manageable with medications. Still, he voices disappointment in his government for not scrutinizing chemicals like paraquat more closely. Tenbrink echoes his sentiments. She calls her ailment a terrible disease with no known cure and fears for her deteriorating health.
Lawyers Pursue the Legal Battle
Sarah Doles, who co-heads the federal litigation, compares paraquat to Big Tobacco. She argues Syngenta knew about paraquat’s harms but hid this knowledge from consumers. She asserts they ignored their legal obligation to disclose potential dangers.
Whether the EPA rules in favor or against paraquat, these court cases will progress. Farmers like Tenbrink and Jilbert maintain their stand. They want paraquat off the market, fearing for their health and future. For them, it’s more than a legal battle. It’s a fight for their lives.