Meet the Bill: The Paraquat Prevention Act

One herbicide that has been linked to Parkinson’s disease (PD) is paraquat, a widely used commercial herbicide in the U.S. On June 18, Representatives Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican representing Florida, and Chellie Pingree, a Democrat representing Maine, introduced the Paraquat Prevention Act.

The bill would ban paraquat across the U.S. People who live or work near where paraquat is sprayed have a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s. If passed, this bill would protect farmers, farmworkers, rural families and other communities from unnecessary exposure.

What would the Paraquat Prevention Act do?

The Paraquat Prevention Act would: 

• Require the Environmental Protection Agency to cancel the approvals that allow paraquat to be used
• Implement a zero-tolerance policy for paraquat residue on food
• Stop the sale and use of paraquat already in stock
• Prevent paraquat from being approved for future use

Together, these steps would remove paraquat from the U.S. market and protect people regardless of where they live or work.

How can banning Paraquat impact Parkinson’s prevention?

Researchers are still working to better understand what causes Parkinson's, but growing scientific evidence links exposure to paraquat to an increased risk of developing the disease.

One study found that people who sprayed paraquat were more than twice as likely to develop Parkinson's as people who applied other pesticides. Although paraquat has been banned in more than 70 countries, it remains available for agricultural use in the U.S.

Not everyone exposed to paraquat will develop Parkinson's. However, reducing exposure to preventable environmental risks is one way public policy can help create a future where fewer people develop Parkinson's.

“By banning paraquat, the Paraquat Prevention Act would protect Americans and help create a world where fewer people develop Parkinson’s disease in the first place.”

— Andi Lipstein Fristedt, Parkinson’s Foundation Chief Strategy and Policy Officer

Preventing harmful toxic exposures is a public policy priority for the Parkinson’s Foundation. 

Building on Progress in the States

States have begun taking action. In May, Vermont became the first state in the country to ban paraquat after advocacy from the Parkinson’s community and other public health groups. Thirteen other states have considered similar proposals this year, with Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania still ongoing.

State action can protect individual communities and build momentum, but a federal ban would provide the same protection to people nationwide.

Support Extends Across Party Lines

Representatives Luna and Pingree come from different political parties and represent different parts of the country. Their partnership reflects the growing recognition that protecting people from harmful environmental exposures should not be a partisan issue.

Voters agree. A national survey found that 67% of registered voters supported banning or limiting paraquat after learning that research has linked it to Parkinson’s. Support increased to 81% after voters learned more about potential exposure risks.

This broad support provides a strong foundation for lawmakers from both parties to come together around the bill.

Help Build Support While Congress Is Home

Introducing a bill is just the first step. It takes public support to build momentum and move legislation forward.

While Congress is in recess this August, members of Congress will return home to meet with constituents at town halls and community events. These meetings are an opportunity to share your Parkinson's story and ask one simple question: Will you support and cosponsor the Paraquat Prevention Act to ban paraquat nationwide? 

Our Advocacy Center has everything you need to find an event, prepare your story and make your voice heard. Not able to attend an event? Join the Parkinson’s Foundation Advocacy Network to receive policy updates and future opportunities to contact Congress.