Vermont has become the first state in the United States to ban the weedkiller paraquat, a highly toxic herbicide that has long been linked to Parkinson's disease. The new law, signed by Governor Phil Scott, takes effect in 2027 and prohibits the sale, use, and distribution of paraquat across the state. It marks a major shift in how American regulators are beginning to treat agricultural chemicals tied to neurological disorders.
A weedkiller so dangerous it is banned in dozens of countries
Paraquat is one of the most widely used herbicides in American agriculture, applied to crops like soybeans, corn, and cotton. But it is also one of the most toxic. The chemical is already banned in more than 50 countries, including China, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency has allowed its continued use, though the agency has faced mounting pressure from scientists and advocacy groups. Vermont's decision puts the state at odds with federal policy and signals a growing willingness among local lawmakers to act on health risks that national regulators have not fully addressed.
Why Vermont farmers and families pushed for the ban
The law was driven by a coalition of farmers, public health researchers, and residents who had watched family members and neighbors develop Parkinson's disease. Studies have shown that people exposed to paraquat face a significantly higher risk of developing the neurodegenerative condition. Vermont's agricultural community is relatively small, but the state has a strong tradition of environmental regulation. Supporters of the ban argued that no crop is worth the cost of a farmer's health. The legislation passed with bipartisan support, reflecting a rare moment of agreement in a deeply divided political climate.
What happens next for paraquat in America
Vermont's ban does not affect the rest of the country, but it sets a precedent that other states may follow. Several states, including California and New York, have considered similar restrictions but have not yet passed them. The chemical's manufacturer, Syngenta, has defended paraquat's safety when used properly and has opposed state-level bans. Meanwhile, the EPA is reviewing the herbicide's registration, a process that could lead to federal restrictions. For now, Vermont has drawn a clear line: in this small New England state, the risk of Parkinson's outweighs the benefits of a weedkiller.
Vermont's move is not a verdict on paraquat's safety everywhere. It is a local decision based on local concerns. But it is the first of its kind in the United States, and it may not be the last.
