In March, global agriculture company Syngenta announced that it will cease production of the pesticide paraquat by the end of June. This is a long-awaited victory for farmers, farmworkers, communities, and consumers who, for decades, have borne the brunt of the highly hazardous pesticide’s toxic legacy.
Mounting evidence has linked exposure of paraquat to severe health impacts, including Parkinson’s disease. Acute poisoning from paraquat is frequently fatal, underscoring its extreme toxicity. Beyond human health, the pesticide also poses significant ecological risks: residues from fields treated with paraquat can contaminate surrounding environments and water systems, eventually entering the food chain. The impacts extend across humans, animals, and entire ecosystems, highlighting the breadth of its destructive reach.
In the United States, more than 8,000 lawsuits have been filed by individuals who developed Parkinson’s disease following chronic exposure to paraquat, underscoring the magnitude of harm associated with the pesticide. Its extreme toxicity and the numerous cases of poisoning linked to its use have prompted bans in several countries, including those within the European Union, as well as Vietnam and Malaysia. Notably, paraquat is prohibited for domestic sale and use in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and China—countries where the chemical continues to be manufactured.
However, Syngenta continues to deny responsibility and accountability. Syngenta did not even acknowledge the toxic harm of their product and instead, only cited commercial reasons behind their decision to discontinue, such as having low sales and “significant competition” from generic producers of the pesticide.
The urgent call for the complete global ban of highly hazardous pesticides like paraquat continues. Agricultural companies who profit from manufacturing poison should be held accountable. Farmers and food producers should be supported in their transition to agroecology—a sustainable and safe farming approach that ensures food security for entire communities without dependence on harmful chemicals.
