The Department of Pesticide Regulation issued a news release that outlines two preliminary scientific reports following a review of human health and ecotoxicology studies on paraquat use in California.
DPR is required under law to evaluate paraquat use and complete a study of this pesticide by January of 2029.
Paraquat is used in California to kill weeds and can only be used by professionally licensed applicators.
According to the DPR, a scientific evaluation found that the current registered uses of paraquat in California may adversely affect non-target organisms, including birds, mammals and aquatic organisms, with the most significant risks to birds.
The California Department of Pesticide regulation also just opened a 45-day public comment period through February 13th to collect input on its preliminary ecotoxicology and human health assessment scientific reports.
