Senator David Pocock Questions Australian Regulator on Controversial Herbicide Paraquat
Senator David Pocock grills agriculture watchdog boss over chemical used by farmers in Australia that has been banned across 70 countries
Mail Online
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Senator David Pocock challenged the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA) regarding the continued use of Paraquat, a herbicide banned in over 70 countries due to health risks. Despite its links to Parkinson's disease and other health issues, the APVMA has delayed decisive action since 1997, citing ongoing assessments.
- 01Paraquat has been linked to serious health issues, including Parkinson's disease and organ damage.
- 02The APVMA has been evaluating Paraquat since 1997 but has yet to ban it despite its widespread prohibition in other countries.
- 03The chemical is used on various crops, including fruits, potatoes, and peanuts, to enhance yields and soil health.
- 04The APVMA plans to release a new report on Paraquat within six weeks, which may influence future regulations.
- 05Australia's National Farmers Federation supports the continued use of Paraquat, arguing that evidence does not conclusively link it to Parkinson's disease.
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During a recent Senate hearing, Senator David Pocock scrutinized Peter Hansen, the head of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA), over the ongoing use of Paraquat, a herbicide banned in over 70 countries due to its association with severe health risks, including Parkinson's disease. Pocock expressed frustration that the APVMA has been assessing Paraquat since 1997 without decisive action. Hansen defended the agency's position, stating that it would act if there were imminent health risks. The APVMA's proposed regulatory decision, expected in late 2024, aims to restrict certain high-risk applications of Paraquat. Despite its controversial status, the chemical is still utilized in Australia for its benefits in crop yield and soil health. The National Farmers Federation has argued against the ban, claiming insufficient evidence linking Paraquat to Parkinson's. The APVMA is set to release its latest report on the herbicide within six weeks, which may further inform its regulatory stance.
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The continued use of Paraquat in Australia raises health concerns for farmworkers and consumers, potentially affecting agricultural practices and food safety.
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