ABC Investigation Uncovers Cluster of Cases in NSW Farming Community
An ABC regional investigation has identified five farmers within a 10-kilometer radius in Crookwell, New South Wales, diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease after years of paraquat exposure during routine crop maintenance. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is currently reviewing the use of Paraquat, which remains legal in Australia despite being banned in more than 67 countries due to toxicity concerns. Leading neurologists across Australia have joined dozens of doctors in calling for a national ban on the herbicide. At the same time, manufacturer Syngenta maintains there is no proven causal link between Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease.
5 Key Points
- An ABC crowdsource investigation revealed multiple Parkinson’s cases among Crookwell farmers following paraquat exposure.
- Parkinson’s Disease affects more than 150,000 Australians and is the fastest-growing neurological disorder globally.
- Paraquat, a fast-acting herbicide banned in 67 countries, remains widely used in Australian agriculture.
- Animal studies demonstrate brain cell changes matching human Parkinson’s symptoms following pesticide exposure.
- The APVMA maintains that Paraquat is safe when used according to current guidelines despite calls for a ban.
Crookwell Farmers Share Decades of Chemical Exposure
John O’Brien spent his childhood helping his father spray crops in the paddocks of their Crookwell potato farm. During bi-monthly spraying operations, the 68-year-old farmer describes regular exposure to Paraquat, a broad-spectrum herbicide that kills plants on contact. “You had the boom spray in front of the tractor, no cab… it would be blowing the chemical up on your face all the time,” O’Brien said. “When you were spraying the spuds and all that, you would be covered in it.” Within a 10-kilometer radius of his farm, five other unrelated farmers report similar histories of paraquat use and subsequent Parkinson’s diagnoses. O’Brien also used arsenic and DDT throughout his farming career, though research has not established the same direct links to Parkinson’s as with Paraquat.
Living with an Incurable Condition
Parkinson’s Disease is an incurable neurodegenerative brain condition that causes problems with movement, mental health, sleep, and cognitive function. O’Brien, diagnosed three years ago, approaches his condition pragmatically. “I am a person who takes each day as it comes,” he said. “I just took it in my stride and tried to make sure that I could keep doing the things that I was doing instead of getting me off the farm.” Another local farmer, identified only as Jane to protect her privacy, received her diagnosis in 2013 after experiencing debilitating tremors. “It just got to the stage where as soon as the anxiety kicked in, the shakes got worse,” she said. “I do sort of wonder sometimes ‘Why me?’ But maybe looking back on my childhood some of the things maybe I shouldn’t have done or someone should have prevented me from doing. That is hard to take now.”
Scientific Evidence and Regulatory Response
Professor Carolyn Sue, Neuroscience Research Australia Kinghorn chair of neurodegeneration, emphasizes chemical exposure risks. “We know that farmers in rural areas who use pesticides, herbicides, can have an increased risk of having Parkinson’s in their life span,” she said. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that pesticide exposure causes brain cell changes matching human Parkinson’s symptoms. “As health providers to patients who are affected with Parkinson’s Disease, one would think about trying to reduce exposure to such agents,” Professor Sue added.
Industry Position and Regulatory Review
The APVMA’s ongoing review has led to stricter guidelines for personal protective equipment and updated product labeling requirements. The authority maintains that paraquats do not pose unacceptable risks when used according to these guidelines. Paraquat’s original manufacturer, Syngenta, denies any proven causation between its product and Parkinson’s Disease. Grain growers defend the herbicide as vital to crop production, warning that a ban could impact the food supply and sustainable farming practices.
Support Services Face Significant Funding Shortfall
Parkinson’s New South Wales operates on just $33,000 in annual state funding, supplemented by an additional $800,000 in ad-hoc grants since 2021. “That equates to 47 cents per person with Parkinson’s and that is what we have got to be there for people when they get diagnosed,” said chief executive Mary Kay Walker. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park noted an $8.6 million allocation over four years for nursing and allied health staff supporting people with movement disorders. Despite these measures, the organization relies on donations and fundraising for 97% of its operational costs.
Push for Research and Prevention
While the World Health Organization states no definitive cause for Parkinson’s has been identified, pesticide exposure remains a recognized risk factor. O’Brien continues advocating for increased research into treatments and potential cures. “If I can shorten the period where they find a cure for Parkinson’s by one day, I will be happy,” he said. “I want to see something that will help people with it, like myself, that will stop the pain, the spasms, the symptoms that we have that are caused by Parkinson’s.”
FAQ
Q: Do you qualify for a Paraquat lawsuit?
A: To see if you qualify, click here.
Q: What is Paraquat, and how is it used in farming?
A: Paraquat is a fast-acting, broad-spectrum herbicide that kills plants on contact. Farmers use it primarily for weed control, and some, like John O’Brien, apply it every two months to protect potato crops.
Q: How many countries have banned Paraquat?
A: More than 67 countries have banned Paraquat due to its toxicity. However, Australia continues to permit its use under regulated conditions.
Q: What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?
A: Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative brain condition that causes problems with movement (including tremors), mental health, sleep, and cognitive function. Early symptoms reported by farmers in the article included hand tremors that worsened with anxiety.
Q: What is the current scientific evidence linking Paraquat to Parkinson’s Disease?
A: Animal studies have demonstrated that exposure to Paraquat causes changes in brain cells consistent with Parkinson’s Disease symptoms in humans. However, the APVMA states this evidence is “not robust,” and Syngenta maintains there is no proven causal link.
Q: What support is available for Australians with Parkinson’s Disease?
A: Support services include Parkinson’s New South Wales, specialist neurology services, and nursing and allied healthcare support. Patients may be eligible for NDIS or aged care support. The NSW government has allocated $8.6 million for nursing and allied health staff over four years to support people with movement disorders.
Q: How many Australians are affected by Parkinson’s Disease?
A: More than 150,000 Australians are living with Parkinson’s Disease. It is currently the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the world.
Q: What safety measures are currently in place for paraquat use?
A: The APVMA has implemented stricter personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines and updated product labeling requirements. According to these updated guidelines, the authority maintains that Paraquat is safe.
Citations
Cole, H. (2024, October 28). Farmers’ warning over paraquat chemical’s link to Parkinson’s Disease. ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-29/farmers-warning-paraquat-chemical-links-to-parkinsons-disease/104477562
