Syngenta to Stop Making Paraquat Amid 8,000 Parkinson's Lawsuits by 2026

Syngenta, a major agrochemical firm, has announced it will halt production of paraquat by June 2026. The herbicide, linked to Parkinson's, has been used in the U.S. since 1964 but is already banned in Europe. The decision comes as the company faces over 8,000 lawsuits from people claiming paraquat exposure caused their parkinsons disease.

Paraquat has long been controversial due to its potential health risks. Scientific studies, including a 2024 report, have repeatedly tied the chemical to an increased risk of parkinsons. Internal company documents later revealed that Syngenta knew about these risks for decades but worked to shape public perception of its safety.

The herbicide currently makes up less than 1 percent of Syngenta's global sales. Production will cease at its Huddersfield plant in the UK, the only facility still manufacturing paraquat. Despite this move, generic versions can still be made and sold in the U.S. as long as federal approval remains in place.

Parkinson's disease affects nearly one million Americans, with rising cases suggesting environmental factors may play a role. Neurologists have called Syngenta's decision a public health milestone but warn that paraquat's availability could persist. Meanwhile, the lawsuits against the company will proceed, potentially setting legal precedents for future chemical-safety disputes.

Syngenta's phase-out of paraquat marks a shift in the agrochemical industry. The lawsuits and ongoing research will likely influence how similar cases are handled in the future. For now, the herbicide's legal status in the U.S. remains unchanged, leaving room for other manufacturers to continue production.