A toxic weed killer tied to Parkinson’s disease will take center stage at the State Capitol on Tuesday.
Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal and a coalition of health and environmental advocates plan to announce new legislation to ban the use and sale of paraquat, a widely used herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and other serious health harms.
The group will hold a press conference at 12:30 p.m. at the Assembly Staircase on the third floor of the Capitol.
A pesticide still widely used
Paraquat is banned in more than 70 countries but remains in use across the United States. In New York alone, it is used in 28 counties, despite what advocates describe as mounting scientific evidence about its dangers.
Supporters of the ban say paraquat poses particular risks to farmworkers, rural communities, and the environment. They plan to urge New York to phase out one of the most hazardous pesticides still on the market.
Who’s speaking
Speakers at the event will include Rosenthal, State Sen. Pete Harckham, representatives from the Environmental Working Group, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, and Dr. Ray Dorsey.
Several advocacy organizations also support the effort, including the Parkinson’s Foundation, Natural Resources Defense Council, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, and WE ACT for Environmental Justice, among others.
Organizers say the legislation would move New York in line with international efforts to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals linked to long-term health impacts.
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