EWG

Hi friend,

The toxic weedkiller paraquat is linked to diseases like Parkinson’s and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but it’s still being sprayed on fields across the country. States like Pennsylvania and California are weighing bans, but we also need the federal government to act.

Here’s what we know:

•	Paraquat is banned in more than 70 countries, including China, yet its use is on the rise in the United States.
•	As little as one teaspoon of paraquat may be fatal, with death known to occur as late as 30 days after the ingestion.
•	The EPA is dismissing a growing body of research linking the toxic weedkiller paraquat to Parkinson’s disease, including ignoring research submitted by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
•	An explosive report by The New Lede, EWG’s journalism project, revealed that FOR DECADES Syngenta, the manufacturer of paraquat, plotted to hide scientific evidence in order to mislead regulators at the EPA about such a link.

Despite all this, the EPA still allows paraquat to be used commercially in the U.S., helping put Sygenta’s profits over the health of workers and nearby communities exposed to this highly toxic chemical.

Our system for approving pesticides is clearly broken. Your input will help shape EWG’s priorities for 2026. Can we count on you to complete our quick survey on toxic pesticides by midnight tonight?

Should the U.S. BAN harmful pesticides?

YES

Thanks for adding your voice.

– EWG

DONATE NOW

Know your environment. Protect your health.

UNSUBSCRIBE | MANAGE PREFERENCES

EWG
1250 I Street, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC xxxxxx
202-667-6982 | ewg.org