Australia Approves Restricted Use of Controversial Paraquat Herbicide Linked to Parkinson's
En resumen
- Australia's chemical regulator has approved the restricted use of paraquat, a controversial herbicide linked to Parkinson's disease.
- The APVMA found the weight of evidence does not show increased risk of Parkinson's from approved uses, despite concerns from neurologists and bans in over 67 countries.
Resumen generado por IA
Por qué importa
Australia's chemical regulator has approved the restricted use of the controversial herbicide paraquat, which has been linked to Parkinson's disease. Farming groups consider it essential for controlling resistant weeds.
Australia's chemical regulator has approved the restricted use of the controversial herbicide paraquat, which has previously been linked to Parkinson's disease.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) today handed down the results of its review into the use of the herbicide, determining it could continue to be used with "significant" restrictions, including lower application rates.
The regulator's review of the herbicide has been underway since 1997.
The regulator said it found "the weight of evidence does not show that paraquat exposure through approved uses increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease".
The decision comes weeks after Australia's top neurologists said they had been ignored by the chemical regulator.
Paraquat and the related herbicide diquat are fast-acting weedkillers that farming groups say are essential for controlling resistant weeds.
Farming groups had been concerned the product would be banned, as it has been in more than 67 countries, due to concerns about risks to human health and the environment.
Preguntas abiertas
- Long-term health impacts of restricted use?
- Neurologists' response to decision?
