California Urged to Ban Parkinson’s-Linked Herbicide Paraquat

California should ban the use of paraquat, an herbicide connected to Parkinson’s disease, conservation and public health groups urged in a letter to the department sent Friday.

Groups including the Center for Biological Diversity and Californians for Pesticide Reform requested that the California Department of Pesticide Regulation “begin reevaluation, suspension, and cancellation proceedings for pesticide products containing paraquat.”

Using paraquat presents dangers to endangered wildlife species, farmworkers, and nearby communities, the letter added.

The Environmental Protection Agency said last year it would allow continued use of paraquat with revised measures aimed at protecting people and the environment, but continue to ...