California to phase out paraquat, a weedkiller associated with serious health issues

posted by Kristi Wachter on August 30, 2026

Resistance is

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation said all manufacturers of pesticide products containing paraquat have "voluntarily canceled" their product registrations.

Los Angeles Times Hayley Smith August 11, 2026

Excerpt:

“For years, communities have fought to end the use of paraquat, a weedkiller associated with negative impacts to human health and wildlife,” said California Secretary for Environmental Protection Yana Garcia in a statement. “California will keep moving toward pest management practices that protect health and our ecosystems.”

Millions of pounds of paraquat pesticide are sprayed annually on almonds, grapes, cotton and other crops, primarily in the San Joaquin Valley.

It is California’s first major pesticide phaseout since 2019, when regulators announced the state was ending virtually all uses of chlorpyrifos, a pesticide linked to neurological issues.

Read the whole thing:

California to phase out paraquat, a weedkiller associated with serious health issues

Via:

Extra Extra 8/16/2026

Health & Wellness

posted by Kristi Wachter on August 30, 2026

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