Paraquat will continue to be used in Australia despite 70 countries banning weedkiller over Parkinson’s disease fears

Paraquat remains legal in Australia despite being banned in over 70 countries due to Parkinson’s disease concerns. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) approved tighter controls, including phasing out backpack sprayers, after a decades-long review. Sygenta, the herbicide manufacturer, had reservations since the 1970s, while Parkinson’s groups and scientists argue there is a strong correlation between direct exposure and Parkinson’s incidence.