Doctors Demand Complete Ban on Paraquat Herbicide as Poisoning Cases Rise in India

Paraquat, a widely used herbicide in agriculture, is once again under scrutiny as medical experts call for a complete ban on its use in India, citing its high toxicity and increasing cases of fatal poisoning. While the chemical is valued for its effectiveness in eliminating weeds, doctors warn that even small amounts can cause severe organ damage and death, making it one of the most dangerous pesticides still in use.

According to medical experts, paraquat poses a significant public health risk because there is no specific antidote for poisoning. The herbicide can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation or prolonged exposure and causes extensive oxidative damage to vital organs, particularly the lungs, kidneys and liver. Research has linked paraquat exposure to irreversible lung scarring and multiple organ failure, making timely medical intervention critical but often insufficient.

Doctors say early symptoms of paraquat poisoning include mouth ulcers, vomiting and abdominal pain, which can rapidly progress to respiratory distress, kidney failure and widespread organ damage. Individuals who suspect exposure are advised to seek immediate medical attention, as supportive treatment remains the only available option and delays can significantly worsen outcomes.

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Medical professionals, including experts from AIIMS Delhi and PGIMER Chandigarh, have raised concerns over a growing number of accidental and intentional poisoning cases in India. They point to the herbicide's easy availability, lack of public awareness and limited capacity of rural healthcare facilities to manage severe poisoning as key factors contributing to its high fatality rate. Many incidents have also been linked to self-harm, increasing calls for tighter regulation.

Paraquat has already been banned or heavily restricted in 74 countries, including members of the European Union and several nations in Asia and Africa, due to concerns that it poses unacceptable risks to human health even when protective equipment is used. In India, however, the herbicide remains under regulatory use, prompting experts to advocate stronger policy measures and stricter enforcement to reduce exposure and prevent avoidable deaths.

Health experts recommend a phased ban on paraquat alongside the promotion of safer agricultural alternatives, regular awareness campaigns for farmers and improved poison-control preparedness in hospitals. They emphasise that prevention remains the most effective strategy against paraquat poisoning and argue that stronger regulation is essential to protect public health while ensuring sustainable farming practices across the country.

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