Podcast Summary
The Toxic Herbicide Paraquat: Paraquat is a widely used, highly toxic herbicide linked to acute and chronic health effects. Despite its effectiveness, concerns over its toxicity and potential risks have raised debates among regulators and farmers.
Paraquat, a widely used pesticide introduced in the 1960s, is highly toxic and has been linked to both acute and potential chronic health effects. Despite its effectiveness in killing weeds, it's so toxic that it's been used as a tool for suicide and has raised concerns among regulators and companies selling it. The EPA estimates that just a teaspoon of paraquat can be fatal if swallowed. Paraquat is used on about 15 million acres annually in the US, and its long-term chronic impacts have been a subject of debate for decades. Carrie Gellum, an investigative journalist and author, has covered the story extensively and has raised awareness about the potential risks associated with paraquat exposure. While it's an effective herbicide, its toxicity and potential health hazards make it a concern for farmers, regulators, and the public.
Paraquat's Impact on Parkinson's Disease and Food: Paraquat, a toxic pesticide used in agriculture, can lead to Parkinson's disease due to its effect on dopamine-producing neurons. Though less common in food than glyphosate, it can still be found in certain crops and water. Companies like Chevron and Syngenta have known about its health risks for decades.
Paraquat, a restricted use pesticide, has been linked to Parkinson's disease due to its impact on dopamine producing neurons in the brain. Though less prevalent in food compared to glyphosate, it can still be found in certain foods and water. Paraquat is typically not sprayed directly on crops as it is toxic to them, but it has been used for desiccation in wheat and oats, leading to direct contact with food. Glyphosate, on the other hand, is widely used for desiccation and directly sprayed on crops like corn, soybeans, cotton, and canola. The CDC reported that 80% of Americans tested had glyphosate in their urine, making it a significant concern for food consumption. While paraquat is not available for consumer use, its use in agriculture has raised concerns about its potential health risks. Internal documents from Chevron and Syngenta reveal that the companies have been aware of these risks for decades.
Companies hid knowledge of Paraquat's brain-damaging effects: Companies like Chevron and Syngenta concealed Paraquat's potential to cause Parkinson's disease, despite knowing since the 1970s. Independent journalism is crucial for exposing such health risks.
Chevron and Syngenta, former distributors of the herbicide Paraquat, knew since the 1970s that the chemical could enter the brain and potentially cause Parkinson's disease. However, they publicly denied these findings and continued to claim that Paraquat did not cross the blood-brain barrier. Thousands of people with Parkinson's disease have since sued these companies for hiding this information. This revelation is part of a larger pattern in industries like oil and gas, tobacco, and agriculture, where companies have been found to mislead the public and regulators about the health risks of their products. In this case, the potential dangers of Paraquat were particularly concerning for home gardeners, who were the primary users of the herbicide and trusted its safety claims. The regulatory system's reliance on companies to communicate scientific findings highlights the importance of independent investigative journalism in uncovering and addressing these health risks.
Paraquat herbicide linked to rise in Parkinson's disease: The herbicide Paraquat, which has seen increased use due to glyphosate's decreasing effectiveness, is linked to a significant rise in Parkinson's disease among farmers and applicators. Further research is needed to understand the risks and appropriate warnings and regulations should be implemented.
The herbicide Paraquat, which has seen a dramatic increase in use over the last few decades due to the decreasing effectiveness of glyphosate, is linked to a significant rise in the incidence of Parkinson's disease among farmers and professional applicators. The disease, which is ranked among the top 15 causes of death in the US, is not solely caused by Paraquat exposure, as there are environmental and genetic factors at play. However, the correlation between the two is concerning, with the prevalence of Parkinson's more than doubling from 1990 to 2015. The discussion also revealed that there have been efforts to conceal the potential health risks associated with Paraquat, with companies hiring scientists to ghostwrite studies and downplay the evidence linking the herbicide to Parkinson's. This is a tragic situation, as Parkinson's is a debilitating disease that robs individuals of their ability to perform basic tasks and enjoy life. It's crucial that further research is conducted to fully understand the risks associated with Paraquat and other agrochemicals, and that appropriate warnings and regulations are put in place to protect those most at risk.
Monsanto and Syngenta manipulate research and regulators: Corporations like Monsanto and Syngenta manipulated research and regulatory agencies to downplay health risks of Roundup and Paraquat, using tactics like funding academics, discrediting critics, and secretly influencing decisions.
The Monsanto and Syngenta scandals, discussed in the podcast, reveal a pattern of corporations manipulating scientific research and regulatory agencies to downplay health risks associated with their products, in this case, Roundup and Paraquat. The corporations are seen to have used tactics such as funding and collaborating with academics to spread positive messages, discrediting critics, and secretly influencing regulatory bodies. A 1985 memo from a top Chevron official comparing Paraquat to asbestos and highlighting its severe financial risks underscores the long-term concerns about the herbicide. To learn more and access related documents, listeners are encouraged to visit lede.org and support the investigative journalism project.
Bobby Kennedy Jr.'s Dedication to Children's Health and Public Health: Bobby Kennedy Jr. is a renowned advocate for children's health and public health, tackling issues related to big chemical industries with courage and integrity, inspiring change and raising awareness.
Bobby Kennedy Jr. is a dedicated and influential figure in the fight for children's health and public health, tackling issues related to big chemical industries. His work, as discussed in the podcast, is highly regarded and eagerly anticipated by his audience. The latest episode featuring a CIA guest, Gericke, was particularly noteworthy for its insightful content. Kennedy's courage, integrity, and long-term commitment to this cause are commendable, making him a valuable voice on the front lines of this important battle. Listeners, including the speaker, look forward to his work and the impact it has on raising awareness and driving change.
In this episode, we're joined by Monica Schmitt, Director of Mission Beelieve, an organization dedicated to using beekeeping as a therapeutic and vocational resource for veterans and first responders. Monica, talks about how her enjoyment of beekeeping led her to discover how beekeeping can be used as an therapeutic tool, aiding in the mental health and well-being of those who have devoted their lives to serving our country.
Back about 100 years ago, there was so much adulterated honey for sale that people were reluctant to buy it at all. Comb honey was seen as being different because that couldn’t be adulterated, right? Well, A. I. Root put up an award looking for fake comb honey because he was sure it couldn’t be done.
So, can you make fake comb honey? Well, perhaps. Tune in and listen to Kim and Jim examine these old and new rules about comb honey, and see what the world is up to with these newfangled inventions.
service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, BetterBee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at 
This time of year, experienced and new beekeepers are receiving their packaged bees and nucs. Only a few of these packages and nucs are going home to new equipment. Many will go home to equipment left over from last year's failed colonies. Is it safe to use this equipment?
Jim's answers may surprise you.