Victory for state control over banning paraquat
Yesterday, the House voted 280-142 to an amendment in the Farm Bill, ensuring states continue to have the right to decide how best to protect their residents from toxic herbicides including one that has been linked to Parkinson’s disease (PD). Studies have shown that people exposed to paraquat are more likely to develop PD than those who are not exposed. And thousands of families across the U.S. have now pursued legal claims against manufacturers, alleging that exposure to paraquat caused or contributed to their loved one’s diagnosis of PD. A recent survey shows that when voters learn about paraquat’s link to Parkinson’s, 81% of voters support banning the dangerous chemical.
The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA), together with The Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Parkinson’s Foundation, sent a letter to the House Agriculture Committee earlier this week urging them not to include this provision in the final bill. Below is a joint statement from the three organizations on this important vote.
Joint statement from APDA, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, and the Parkinson’s Foundation:
“Today’s overwhelming House vote to protect states’ rights to restrict paraquat is a meaningful step forward for the 1.1 million Americans living with Parkinson’s disease. Growing scientific evidence has linked paraquat exposure to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease and more than 70 countries, including China, have already banned paraquat. States have always been able to act faster than the federal government to protect their residents from emerging health threats, and today’s vote preserves that authority. States continue to have the right to decide how best to protect their residents, including limiting pesticide spraying near schools and playgrounds. We are grateful to Rep. Luna and the bipartisan majority who stood up for patients, farmers, and families. The Senate must ensure these protections are preserved in the final bill.”
To read the full letter sent to the House Agriculture Committee, please click here.