Michigan Could Ban Weed Killer Linked to Parkinson’s Disease

I'll be honest, I'd never even heard of paraquat until this story popped up. But we've all heard the debates over weed killers being sprayed on crops over the years. This just happens to be one that's getting a lot of attention right now.

Now Michigan lawmakers want to ban paraquat because of concerns that it may be linked to Parkinson's disease. I'll never understand how more than 70 countries can ban something, yet we're still using it here in the U.S. Farmers still use it to kill weeds before planting crops like corn and soybeans.

Why Michigan Wants to Ban Paraquat

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According to MLive, the concern isn't just that paraquat is incredibly toxic if someone is exposed to it directly. Some studies suggest people who live or work near fields where it's sprayed could also have a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Researchers are still studying that possible link, but it's enough for some Michigan lawmakers to push for a ban.

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If this thing passes, you won't be able to buy paraquat in Michigan after 2027, and by the end of 2028, it would be banned completely. The bill also includes a buyback program, so farmers have a safe way to get rid of whatever they still have sitting around.

Thousands of Lawsuits Have Been Filed Over Paraquat

Paraquat is also at the center of thousands of lawsuits from people who believe it caused their Parkinson's disease. The manufacturer denies those claims and insists the weed killer is safe when it's used as directed.

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The bill still has a long way to go before becoming law, but if it does, Michigan could end up being one of the first states in the country to ban paraquat. I don't know... when more than 70 countries decide something isn't worth the risk, I'd have to think there's a pretty good reason for it.