{"id":25282,"date":"2019-07-23T00:00:10","date_gmt":"2019-07-23T04:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/?p=25282"},"modified":"2019-07-22T10:37:51","modified_gmt":"2019-07-22T14:37:51","slug":"protect-workers-and-the-public-from-paraquat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/2019\/07\/protect-workers-and-the-public-from-paraquat\/","title":{"rendered":"Protect Workers and the Public from Parkinson\u2019s Disease: Support H.R. 3817"},"content":{"rendered":"

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(Beyond Pesticides<\/em>, July 23, 2019)\u00a0Last week, U.S. Representative Nydia M. Velazquez introduced legislation to cancel all uses of the pesticide paraquat, which is acutely toxic and strongly linked to Parkinson’s disease. The move is supported by the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council \u2013 a group led by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research \u2013 as well as other health and environmental groups such as Beyond Pesticides. Paraquat, which is a dangerous, fast-acting nonselective herbicide that kills by burning living tissues, is also unnecessary. Organic agriculture provides an alternative that does not depend on toxic chemicals like paraquat.<\/p>\n

Tell your U.S. Representative to support H.R. 3817 to cancel the use of paraquat.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

According to the EPA<\/a>, \u201cone small sip [of paraquat] can be fatal, and there is no antidote.\u201d Advocates are pushing for its elimination from the American agriculture system for many reasons, including acute toxicity and organ failure by inhalation, oral intake and dermal absorption; chronic toxicity affecting the eyes, lungs, liver, kidneys and endocrine system; and a higher incidence of various cancers after exposure.<\/p>\n

The EPA characterizes paraquat as \u201cextremely biologically active and toxic to plants and animals<\/a>.\u201d The agency has previously determined that exposure to this herbicide harms birds, fish, amphibians and small mammals. Paraquat is significantly harming the federally protected California red-legged frog, and likely is harmful to many other endangered and threatened species of wildlife and plants.<\/p>\n

In addition, research indicates low-level chronic exposure significantly increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease. The exact causes of Parkinson’s disease are unknown, although research points to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain chemicals, such as paraquat, increase production of reactive oxygen species that may harm cellular structures and cause the disease. Recent research links paraquat and several other herbicides to the development of Parkinson’s pathology and symptoms. The most recent scientific studies indicate:<\/p>\n