Paraquat will continue to be used in Australia despite 70 countries banning weedkiller over Parkinson’s disease fears (opens original article in a new tab)

Australia will continue to allow the use of paraquat, a herbicide banned in over 70 countries, despite concerns about its link to Parkinson's disease, with stricter conditions to reduce exposure risks.

• Paraquat remains legal in Australia despite 70 countries banning it over Parkinson's disease concerns
• APVMA decided to keep paraquat and diquat use with stricter conditions to reduce exposure risks
• Scientific review did not establish a causal link between paraquat and Parkinson's but acknowledged potential impacts on farmworkers and wildlife
• Parkinson's groups and researchers criticize Australia's decision as out of step with global consensus
• Australia uses a risk-based assessment for chemicals, unlike the precautionary approach of many other countries