U.S. state becomes first in the nation to ban pesticide linked to Parkinson’s
Paraquat is one of the most widely used weed killers in the U.S., but more than 70 other countries have banned its use.
Ethan Parker 
Vermont has officially set a national precedent, becoming the first state in the U.S. to implement a ban on paraquat, a widely used but highly controversial pesticide that remains restricted in many other parts of the world.
A Legislative Milestone
Republican Governor Phil Scott signed state bill H.739 into law this past Tuesday. The legislation mandates an end to the use and sale of paraquat effective Nov. 1. While the state is moving toward a total prohibition, the law provides a narrow pathway for farmers to request written exceptions from the secretary of agriculture, food and markets for specific crops, though these permits expire at the end of 2030.
To qualify for an exception, producers must prove that no viable alternative pesticides exist for their specific needs and implement strict protocols to ensure the chemical does not drift onto surrounding properties.
A Call for National Change
During the signing, Gov. Scott expressed his hopes for the policy's broader impact. "Today, I signed H.739, which phases out the use of the harmful herbicide paraquat over the coming years," Scott noted in a statement to the Michael J. Fox Foundation. "I appreciate Michael J. Fox and his foundation for their work on this issue and hope this can serve as a model for other states to follow."
The Health Controversy
Paraquat is a potent "burn down" herbicide used extensively in American agriculture to clear fields before planting. However, its safety profile has come under intense scrutiny. Research championed by groups like the Michael J. Fox Foundation suggests that individuals who apply paraquat face more than double the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those using different chemical alternatives.
The legal fallout has been significant. Thousands of farmers have filed lawsuits against the manufacturer of Gramoxone, a popular paraquat brand, leading to consolidated multi-district litigation currently pending in the Southern District of Illinois.
While chemical giant Syngenta announced earlier this year that it would cease production of the pesticide, the company maintains its stance that the product is safe when handled correctly. A company spokesperson previously told 205focus.com that scientific evidence does not support a causal link to Parkinson’s disease.
Federal Oversight vs. State Action
Safety concerns regarding paraquat are severe; it is notoriously lethal, with experts warning that even a single sip can be fatal. Despite the risks and its prohibition in jurisdictions like the United Kingdom, China, and the European Union, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has stopped short of a total ban. The agency, which reauthorized the chemical in 2021, confirmed in January that it is currently reassessing the safety of paraquat.
While Vermont's usage is relatively low—estimated at 100 pounds annually according to Seven Days—the broader national picture shows heavy reliance on the chemical. Data from the U.S. Geological Survey indicates that between 11 and 17 million pounds are sprayed across the U.S. every year. In 2025, a joint investigation by 205focus.com and MLive highlighted the personal toll of this widespread usage by profiling farmers battling Parkinson’s disease.
