Booker Calls on EPA to Ban Use of Paraquat to Protect Farmworkers and Rural Communities

Press Release

“Paraquat is a highly toxic pesticide whose continued use cannot be justified given its harms to farmworkers and rural communities. We write to urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban the use of paraquat in the United States.

“Paraquat has been linked to Parkinson’s disease, thyroid cancer, and other health harms such as kidney, liver, and respiratory damage, and reproductive harm, including neurodevelopmental impact on developing fetuses. In rural areas, exposure to paraquat and other pesticides during pregnancy can increase the risk of leukemia.

“We urge you to protect the health of farmworkers and rural residents by banning paraquat."

Source