Parkinson’s Foundation Applauds Vermont’s Landmark Ban of Dangerous Pesticide Linked to Parkinson’s Disease
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 26, 2026) - Today, the Parkinson’s Foundation applauded Vermont for being the first state in the nation to ban paraquat, a dangerous pesticide linked to Parkinson’s disease (PD). With urging from Parkinson’s Foundation volunteers and advocates, Vermont Governor Phil Scott made history today by signing H. 739 into law to ban paraquat and keep Vermonters safe from this dangerous chemical.
“The Parkinson’s Foundation commends Vermont for becoming the first state in the nation to protect their residents by passing legislation to ban paraquat,” said Andi Lipstein Fristedt, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Policy Officer for the Parkinson’s Foundation. “Research has shown a strong link between exposure to paraquat and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The Foundation calls on other states to follow suit and help create a world where fewer people develop Parkinson’s disease in the first place.”
Paraquat is a widely used commercial pesticide that has been scientifically linked to an increased Parkinson’s risk. The chemical is banned in more than 70 countries, including China and the European Union. According to a recent poll commissioned by the Foundation, 81% of voters support banning or curbing paraquat. The Parkinson’s Foundation is working to pass paraquat bans in other states, and pushing the Environmental Protection Agency to ban paraquat on a national level.
To learn more about the Foundation’s policy work and opportunities, or to get involved, visit Parkinson.org/Policy.
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About the Parkinson’s Foundation
The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson’s community. Since 1957, the Parkinson’s Foundation has invested more than $513 million in Parkinson’s research and clinical care. Connect with us on Parkinson.org, Facebook, X, Instagram or call 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).
About Parkinson’s Disease
Affecting more than one million Americans, Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. It is associated with a progressive loss of motor control (e.g., shaking or tremor at rest and lack of facial expression), as well as non-motor symptoms (e.g., trouble sleeping, loss of smell and depression). There is no cure for Parkinson’s and nearly 90,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S.