Hidden Risks: Could Common Herbicides Be Linked to Parkinson's Disease?

Australian media has recently run stories from local neurologists and health advocates pushing to ban paraquat—a herbicide that’s still widely used on farms across the nation. Research is showing it could be a real risk to those of us in agriculture, linking exposure to paraquat with Parkinson’s disease.

While paraquat’s been banned in over 70 countries, it’s still permitted in Australia, and many farms depend on it for weed control. The big worry is the long-term exposure for farmers and workers who handle it regularly, which could up their chances of developing Parkinson’s disease.

It’s on us to know the risks and use Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for safe chemical handling and product management. Looking into safer alternatives and checking that we’re doing everything to keep exposure low will help protect the health of you and your workers and keep your business compliant. 

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are a crucial tool to ensure that you and your staff are handling chemicals safely. An SDS breaks down everything you need to know about a hazardous chemical: what it’s made of, the risks, safe ways to handle it, and emergency steps. With 16 detailed sections, an SDS covers the chemical’s identity, physical properties, exposure limits, and even how to dispose of it safely, helping us make informed decisions for safe storage and use. Having accurate, up-to-date SDS documents on hand isn’t just about following WHS rules—it’s about keeping everyone on the farm safe. 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a critical line of defence, acting as a barrier that reduces the risk of absorbing harmful substances through the skin or inhalation. Gloves, masks, eye protection, and full-coverage clothing all play a role in limiting exposure, especially when handling high-risk chemicals like paraquat. By pairing PPE with SDS insights and safe handling practices, we can better protect the health of our workforce and keep our business compliant. 

Reach out to our team, 0410 451 595, to organise an assessment of your farm and your current practices to ensure you have got the right systems in place to keep everyone safe.