The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has ruled that the herbicide paraquat will remain legal for agricultural use in Australia, despite widespread calls for a ban due to concerns over its link to Parkinson’s disease. While the regulator will maintain legal access to the chemical, it has implemented significantly stricter application conditions to mitigate risks to farm workers, birds, and mammals, according to APVMA chief executive Scott Hansen.
Why is Paraquat Still Legal in Australia?
The APVMA maintains that its review of hundreds of scientific papers and long-term data has not established a definitive causal link between paraquat exposure and the development of Parkinson’s disease. According to Scott Hansen, while the regulator sought a clear answer regarding the chemical’s neurological impacts, the existing scientific evidence remains inconclusive. Unlike the European Union and the UK, which utilize a “precautionary approach” that requires manufacturers to prove a product is safe, Australia operates under a risk-based assessment model. Under this framework, the regulator must establish that actual, measurable risk outweighs the benefits of the chemical for it to be prohibited.
The APVMA’s review of paraquat spanned approximately 30 years. The chemical was first declared a priority for “reconsideration” in 1994, with the final work program settled in 2015 and an interim report released in 2024.
What Changes are Farmers Facing?
To reduce the potential for acute exposure, the APVMA has introduced rigorous new safety mandates for those handling the herbicide. According to the regulator, maximum application rates have been slashed from 1,150 grams per hectare to 231 grams per hectare. Furthermore, the use of handheld backpack sprayers—a common source of worker exposure—will be phased out. All future applications will require enclosed mixing and loading systems and enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE). These measures follow a 2022 investigation by The Guardian, which unearthed internal documents suggesting manufacturer Syngenta had concerns about the chemical’s chronic effects as early as the 1970s.
How Does Australia Compare to Global Standards?
Australia’s decision stands in contrast to over 70 countries, including the UK and EU member states, which have implemented complete bans on the substance. The following table highlights the divergence in regulatory philosophy:
| Jurisdiction | Regulatory Stance |
|---|---|
| European Union/UK | Banned (Precautionary principle) |
| Australia | Legal (Risk-based assessment) |
| United States | Legal with restrictions |
What Does the Scientific Community Say?
Neurologists and Parkinson’s advocacy groups argue that the Australian regulator is out of step with global scientific consensus. Professor Wes Thevathasan, a Melbourne-based neurologist, stated that multiple epidemiological studies suggest paraquat exposure increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease by approximately threefold. Olivia Nassaris, CEO of Parkinson’s Australia, expressed deep disappointment with the ruling, questioning if the health of Australians is being valued less than that of citizens in the 70 countries that have already enacted bans. Conversely, the National Farmers’ Federation president, Hamish McIntyre, defended the decision, citing the chemical’s necessity for no-till farming practices, which help retain soil moisture and prevent erosion.
For those concerned about chemical exposure on farms, experts recommend prioritizing the use of enclosed, automated spraying technology and strictly adhering to updated PPE guidelines provided by the APVMA to minimize accidental contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is paraquat banned anywhere in the world?
Yes, over 70 countries have banned the use of paraquat, including member nations of the European Union and the United Kingdom.
Why did the APVMA decide against a ban?
The APVMA stated that its review did not find sufficient evidence to establish a causal link between the herbicide and Parkinson’s disease, leading them to opt for stricter usage regulations rather than a total prohibition.
What are the new rules for using paraquat in Australia?
New rules include a significantly lower maximum application rate, the phasing out of backpack sprayers, and a mandatory requirement for enclosed mixing and loading systems.
How does the US handle paraquat?
The US Environmental Protection Agency continues to allow the use of paraquat under strict controls, though some individual states, such as Vermont, have moved to ban it independently.
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