Bangladesh and India have banned the pesticide paraquat, joining more than 70 countries where the use of this dangerous chemical is already prohibited, reported the UN News portal.
According to research, when it accumulates in the body it can increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, and it is also frequently used in cases of suicide.
Worldwide, around 20% of suicides are committed by ingesting acutely toxic pesticides. The practice is particularly widespread in rural areas of Africa, Asia, the Eastern Mediterranean, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands.
According to specialists, the availability of dangerous pesticides can be of critical importance at moments of acute stress. The experience of the Republic of Korea, Malaysia and Sri Lanka has shown that banning paraquat and other highly toxic substances can significantly reduce the number of suicides without lowering agricultural productivity.
The World Health Organization also points to the long-term risks of paraquat exposure for brain health. The WHO and other international bodies have supported the decision by Bangladesh and India. The organisation's research has shown that national bans on highly hazardous pesticides are among the most cost-effective measures in the field of mental health protection.
The issue of phasing out highly hazardous pesticides is being actively discussed at the international level. In 2023, the 76th World Health Assembly adopted a resolution on the matter, and in 2026 similar issues were discussed at the 79th World Health Assembly.
