Paraquat, a weed killer, is already banned in 70 countries, but not in the United States.
While not currently widely used in Minnesota, paraquat's prevalence has been rising here. That's concerning because repeated long-term exposure to paraquat doubles a person's risk of Parkinson's.
Some Minnesotans living with the disease are advocating for the ban, and it is a key initiative of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Now, a new bipartisan bill in the Minnesota Senate would end the use of paraquat in Minnesota.
Read the letter we submitted in support of the ban:
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March 23, 2026
Chair Putnam, and members of the Senate Agriculture Committee,
Conservation Minnesota urges your support for SF4160 (Hoffman), which would prohibit the sale and use of paraquat in the state. The negative health impacts of paraquat are widely recognized and understood, and its continued use poses a threat to our environment and human health.
According to the EPA, paraquat is one of the most highly toxic and dangerous pesticides still in use in the United States. Even slight exposure can be potentially fatal to humans, and smaller amounts can still have long-lasting health impacts. Some studies show an increased risk in Parkinson’s Disease cases among populations who live or work near areas where paraquat is sprayed, meaning the risk is not only for immediate users, but for anyone in proximity.
Beyond this, paraquat also has long-term impacts on our soil and natural environment. Exposure can have ranging effects on crustaceans, fish, birds and other mammals. In some cases, these effects include increased mortality, decreased birth rates, and some of the same health risks to humans were seen in other animals as well. Research shows that paraquat can remain in soil particles from anywhere between three and six and a half years, prolonging its potential impacts on groundwater and the environment.
The impacts to human and environmental health have long been documented, and the health risks far outweigh the benefits of paraquat. Over 70 countries across the world have already banned paraquat, including much of the European Union and China. It is time for the United States to follow suit, and Minnesota can be a leader in this fight by passing this bill.
We strongly encourage you to support SF4160 (Hoffman) and the end of paraquat use in Minnesota to protect our residents and our environment.
Sincerely,
Nels Paulsen
Policy Director
nels@conservationminnesota.org
James Lehner
Policy Associate
james@conservationminnesota.org