Paraquat Ban Impacts Farming Profits & Reform Advocates:
Paraquat is one of the commonly used – and deadly – chemicals farm workers are exposed to daily. It is one of the most popular herbicides used for weed and grass control on American farms. But Paraquat is also toxic, with people who accidentally ingest, inhale, or face exposure through the skin, facing poisoning or death. Workers exposed to Paraquat long-term face chronic health conditions like Parkinson’s Disease, a progressive nervous system disorder.
EPA Issues Paraquat Safety Restrictions
Responding to concerns about the safety of Paraquat, the EPA first issued safety restrictions on the use of Paraquat during the Trump administration. Safety requirements included:
- Limited aerial spraying for all crops except cotton desiccation,
- Banning pressurized spraying methods and backpack spray applications,
- Requiring workers have enclosed cabs when applying more than 80 acres of Paraquat,
- Requiring enclosed cabs or respirators for workers when applying Paraquat to fewer than 80 acres,
- Putting in place a residential area “drift buffer” as well as a seven-day restricted entry limitation for applying Paraquat for cotton desiccation,
- Putting in place a 48-hour restricted entry limitation for all Paraquat applications other than cotton desiccation, and
- Requiring a spray drift warning label on Paraquat containers.
Now, a new report from the University of Western Australia indicates that banning both glyphosate, the ingredient found in RoundUp, and Paraquat, could cost the average farmer in Australia up to $20,000 – the equivalent of $15,000 in U.S. dollars. While the U.S. government hesitates to put a price on a ban of the popular herbicide, the USDA reports that pesticide and herbicide use results in higher crop yields and higher profits for American farmers. And farmers and herbicide manufacturers have long claimed that restrictions on the use of Paraquat in the U.S. will increase farmers’ costs and decrease yields.
EPA Reverses Ban on Aerial Spraying
In August of 2021, the EPA reversed its ban on aerial spraying of Paraquat, stating it now had more complete information from Paraquat manufacturers. Experts can’t help but wonder if the EPA’s recent reversal of the ban on Paraquat crop dusting is related to the potential economic impact that farmers, and manufacturers of Paraquat, faced. While advocates for Paraquat safety are undoubtedly sympathetic to the unique economic challenges facing farmers in recent years, the safety and health of our nation’s farm workers should be of greater concern than corporate profits.
Contact the Madeksho Law Firm
If you believe that Paraquat has harmed you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Madeksho Law Firm through our online form or by phone at 1-888-910-6376. Your initial consultation is free, and there is never a charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
