Neurologist diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 50 calls for herbicide to be banned to halt ‘tragedy’ of more cases
Professor David Blacker is fighting to ban paraquat as evidence mounts of its links to the condition.
A leading neurologist diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age 50 is calling for a ban on paraquat, a herbicide now being linked with the disorder.
Clinical Professor David Blacker, medical director of Perth’s Perron Institute, wants the weedkiller phased out to avoid the “tragedy” of another generation of Australian farmers being harmed.
“My fear is that, if we keep on delaying a ban, it is going to impact another generation of farmers exposed to it,” Professor Blacker tells 6minutes.
“And to be clear, this is also about protecting people living near areas where it is still being used.”
