Paraquat Decision Sparks Health Alarm

Australia’s chemical watchdog has greenlit the continued use of paraquat and diquat — two highly toxic herbicides — after a 30-year review, but with strict new rules: no backpack sprayers, enclosed mixing systems, mandatory PPE, and slashed application rates. While regulators claim no link to Parkinson’s, health advocates call the move “shocking,” warning of a potential epidemic with rates tripling by 2050. Farmers cheer the decision, calling the herbicides essential for sustainable, soil-protecting farming. But critics insist the new safety measures fall short, exposing workers and communities to lingering health risks through air, water, and food. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/342b2adf4888bdc2