In 2007, the European Union (EU) took a resolute stance against the use of paraquat. The decision to ban this widely used herbicide is rooted in a commitment to prioritize the health of both the environment and those who toil on the land. 

The Paraquat Predicament

Paraquat has faced stringent regulations and bans in various sectors, with palm oil plantations being a notable example. The palm oil industry, a major player in the global agricultural landscape, has recognized the environmental and health hazards associated with this herbicide. Due to its acute toxicity and potential for soil contamination, paraquat is considered incompatible with sustainable and responsible palm oil production. As a result, several countries and organizations involved in palm oil cultivation have imposed bans or strict restrictions on its use.

Following the 2007 EU ban, an international movement is currently advocating for a worldwide prohibition altogether. However, the use of this cost-effective and widely-used herbicide remains unregulated in many developing nations. A select few countries, such as India and Guatemala, have opposed categorizing paraquat as a dangerous substance under the Rotterdam Convention. Its application now extends to over 100 crops spanning approximately 100 nations. 

Health and Environmental Concerns

Beneath its utility lies a concerning trail of health and environmental issues. Extensive research has linked paraquat exposure to severe health problems, including respiratory issues and nervous system damage. More than 70% of acute paraquat poisonings lead to death. 

In 2011, research conducted by the US National Institutes of Health revealed a connection between the use of paraquat and the occurrence of Parkinson’s disease among agricultural laborers. A co-author of the study noted that paraquat elevated the production of specific oxygen derivatives that could potentially damage cellular structures. Consequently, individuals who utilized this non-selective herbicide or other pesticides with a comparable mode of action had a heightened susceptibility to developing Parkinson’s disease.

From an environmental standpoint, paraquat’s persistence in soil has raised red flags. Paraquat exhibits a robust affinity for soil particles, resulting in a prolonged association with them in an inert state. However, it can also undergo desorption. These factors collectively sounded the alarm on its widespread use and prompted regulatory bodies to take action.

A Search for Alternatives

With paraquat no longer an option, farmers are faced with the task of finding effective substitutes to protect their crops. Some of the alternatives being explored include glyphosate, glufosinate, 2,4-D, diquat, and even mechanical weed control methods. These alternatives aim to match paraquat’s weed-control capabilities while mitigating its health and environmental risks. Find your safer alternatives to Paraquat with Bahtera.