Vermont Public Interest Research Group As the Vermont Senate Agriculture Committee considers H.739, legislation that would ban the toxic pesticide paraquat linked to Parkinson’s disease, health and environmental advocates gathered at the State House to call for action on the legislation.
Only about 15% of people with Parkinson’s disease have a family history of the condition, meaning most cases are linked to environmental factors — including exposure to paraquat. In recent testimony, Dr. James Boyd, a neurologist with UVM Medical Center, underscored that chronic exposure to paraquat can significantly increase a person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
A recent UCLA study further found that people living within 500 meters of fields sprayed with paraquat over time more than double their risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to others in the region.
Public support for taking action on paraquat is strong. A statewide survey of 455 likely Vermont voters, conducted by Data for Progress from March 3–8, found that 77% support banning paraquat in Vermont after learning basic facts about the pesticide, while only 14% oppose it.
“Understandably, Vermonters want to see an end to the use of this extraordinarily toxic pesticide on apple orchards and strawberry fields in our state,” said Anna Seuberling, VPIRG Environmental Advocate. “Once people learn that paraquat is linked to Parkinson’s disease and banned in more than 70 countries around the world, support for banning it here becomes overwhelming.”
Despite the fact that more than 70 countries have banned the use of paraquat – including China, which manufactures and exports the pesticide – the U.S. government has yet to take action.
“The EPA has long understood the risks posed by paraquat but has failed to act,” said Scott Faber, EWG’s Senior Vice President for Government Affairs. “Now, EPA has disclosed that paraquat may travel much farther than was previously understood but has still failed to act. It’s time for states like Vermont to act to protect us.”
Dr. James Boyd, UVM neurologist who testified before the Senate Agriculture committee earlier this session shared, “As both a clinician and a researcher, I believe Vermont has a clear moral and scientific obligation to ban paraquat. Doing so is an act of prevention, compassion and respect for the people who love Vermont and call this beautiful state their home.”
"Decades of research is clear: exposure to paraquat increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease,” said Zach Hardy, senior state government relations manager for The Michael J. Fox Foundation. “Vermont can join more than 70 countries that have banned the use of this dangerous herbicide to protect the health of their communities. After unanimous support in the House of Representatives, we urge the Senate to take swift and decisive action on this important public health bill.”
“Vermont has a long tradition of protecting public health and supporting sustainable agriculture,” said Seuberling. “As the Senate Agriculture Committee considers H.739 this week, Vermont lawmakers should know that they have strong public support for moving forward with legislation to ban paraquat and protect farmworkers, rural communities, and Vermont families from unnecessary exposure to this dangerous pesticide.”
About Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, incurable neurological disorder and the fastest-growing brain disease in the world. Early symptoms can include difficulty walking, depression, and cognitive decline, and the disease worsens over time.
4.15.2026. VPIRG