'Serious harm': all eyes on Australia over toxic spray

Greg Smith, a 73-year-old cattle farmer, is concerned about the continued use of paraquat, a highly toxic herbicide, despite its association with Parkinson's disease. He and his family contracted the weed killer while working on their farm in Queensland in the 1960s, when there was little awareness of exposure risks. Over the years, his father passed away suddenly, his middle brother succumbed to Motor Neurone Disease, and Greg himself was diagnosed with cancer and Parkinson's disease.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) recently approved reduced application rates and closed-valve packaging for paraquat, despite bans in over 70 countries. The decision has been met with criticism from health campaigners, independent politicians, and neurological experts who argue that the APVMA's review methods were flawed, particularly by omitting a 2011 study that found paraquat exposure is associated with significantly higher odds of developing Parkinson's disease.

Grain and sugar cane growers argue that the new restrictions limit their ability to effectively control weeds, establish crops, and practice no-till farming. They also rely on paraquat for cleaning up pastures as many weeds become herbicide-resistant. Senator David Pocock has called for a public inquiry into the APVMA's decision, arguing that the agency considered potential biases from both industry and health sector researchers.

US neurologist Michael S. Okun, however, maintains that the review risks overlooking significant scientific evidence about the link between paraquat and Parkinson's disease. He urges the inquiry to recognize the consequences of being wrong and act to prevent serious harm in light of the decades of research linking paraquat exposure to the neurological disorder.