Australia's leading advocate on Parkinson's disease is calling for a ban on a widely-used chemical because of growing evidence about its risk to farmers.
Parkinson's Australia (PA) announced on Wednesday it supports a ban on the herbicide paraquat, citing "scientific evidence linking the chemical to the development of Parkinson's disease".
"It's been banned in 67 countries including in Europe, China, and the UK, and Australia should follow suit," Parkinson's Australia CEO Olivia Nassaris said.
"Parkinson's organisations across the world have been looking at this issue for quite some time and toxins like paraquat can increase your risk of developing Parkinson's."
Ms Nassaris said it was not just farmers who were concerned about the use of the chemical.
"It's being used on school ovals, on sports grounds, on golf courses, and by council workers," Ms Nassaris said.
The organisation has also launched a public petition.
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ABC News (link)
Parkinson's Australia (link)
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