Federal inquiry into Paraquat weed killer welcomed by Parkinson’s advocates

Australia’s peak advocacy group for Parkinson’s disease patients has welcomed the launch of a federal inquiry into the chemical regulator’s finding not to ban the weed killer Paraquat.

The herbicide is banned in 70 countries due to concerns it could be linked to Parkinson’s disease – a progressive nervous system disorder – and other health impacts.

Paraquat is still used on farms across Australia after a 30-year review by the national chemical watchdog in June decided to impose tighter controls for handling the herbicide, instead of an outright ban.

But on Tuesday, independent Senator David Pocock, with the support of the Coalition and Greens, successfully moved a motion establishing an inquiry into the decision.

Parkinson’s Australia, representing about 150,000 people who live with the disease, welcomed the move.

“We cannot bury our heads in the sand about the use of paraquat and the evidence that shows its toxicity in neurons,” chief executive Olivia Nassaris said. 

“Why else have about 70 countries so far, including the UK, the European Union, China – and just in July, India – all banned the use of the chemical?”

Nassaris says cases of Parkinson’s disease are projected to triple by 2050, putting pressure on the health system and national economy.

“We have to do something to stop it,” she said.

Paraquat is used on golf courses and farms growing wheat, barley, chickpeas, soybeans and potatoes. 

It is a cheap and effective way to kill weeds without disturbing moisture content in the soil.

It kills everything it touches and is often sprayed just before seeds are planted, clearing the paddock.

Because of its toxicity, users need a licence to buy and store it, must wear strict PPE, and can only spray it using an enclosed mixing and loading system.

The World Health Organisation has raised the risks of Paraquat use, but the Australian regulator has not budged on its position.

“There’s just no compelling evidence that there’s actually a causative link,” Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) chief executive Scott Hansen said in June, when the authority published its 30-year, 234-page review of the herbicide.

In moving the Senate motion on Tuesday, Pocock cited scientific opinion that differed from the evidence cited by the APVMA when it announced the findings of its review in June.

He also said he understood the argument by the agricultural sector that it needed Paraquat to stop weeds and grow sustainable crops.

“Farmers need effective tools to manage weeds and protect crops,” Pocock said.

“They also deserve to know that the chemicals they use will not damage their health years later.

“The inquiry will hear from experts and communities and allow the APVMA to explain its decision and help determine whether Australia’s chemical regulation is truly independent, transparent and based on the best available science.”