Vermont Debates Banning Dangerous Herbicide Paraquat

Lawmakers consider prohibiting use of pesticide linked to health risks like Parkinson's disease.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Vermont is considering banning the use of the herbicide paraquat, which is currently legal in the United States but banned in over 70 other countries due to its links to human and environmental harm. The state's Senate Bill 176 cites paraquat's ties to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, childhood leukemia, and Parkinson's disease, and is supported by a local neurologist who treats many Parkinson's patients.

Why it matters

Paraquat is a widely used herbicide, but its potential health risks have led many countries to prohibit its use. Vermont's proposed ban would make it one of the first U.S. states to take action against the chemical, which could set an example for other states and prompt federal regulators to reevaluate its safety.

The details

While paraquat use in Vermont is relatively low compared to other pesticides, one agricultural business in Addison County used 750 pounds of it in 2022 due to COVID-19 supply chain issues. Senate Bill 176 aims to ban paraquat altogether in the state, citing studies that show direct and indirect exposure can increase risks of serious health issues like Parkinson's disease.

  • In January 2026, Vermont's Senate Bill 176 was referred to the committee on agriculture.
  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is currently reviewing paraquat's potential risks.

The players

Lisa Deuel Baker

A neurologist at the University of Vermont Medical Center who specializes in Parkinson's disease.

Van de Weert Agricultural Services

An agricultural business in Addison County, Vermont that used 750 pounds of paraquat in 2022 due to COVID-19 supply chain issues.

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What they’re saying

“There's a lot of data coming out that proximity to people using the chemicals, to orchards, to farms, also increases your risk, whether that's through a water supply or if it's airborne. We know these chemicals can really travel a considerable distance.”

— Lisa Deuel Baker, Neurologist (WCAX)

“I treat hundreds of patients with Parkinson's disease, and if I were to give them the opportunity to go back in time and avoid an exposure, I think they would all do it in a heartbeat.”

— Lisa Deuel Baker, Neurologist (WCAX)

What’s next

The Vermont Senate Bill 176 that would ban paraquat has been referred to the committee on agriculture and is awaiting further consideration.

The takeaway

Vermont's proposed ban on the herbicide paraquat highlights growing concerns about the chemical's potential health risks, which have led many countries to prohibit its use. If passed, Vermont could set an example for other states to take action against paraquat and prompt federal regulators to reevaluate its safety.