**
In the heart of rural New York lies a troubling narrative that connects an infamous herbicide to a growing health crisis. Residents of Hebron, a small farming community, are rallying against paraquat—an herbicide associated with Parkinson’s disease, which has been banned in over 70 countries but remains legal in the United States. With alarming rates of the disease emerging in their community, families are demanding action from lawmakers to protect their health and their future.
A Personal Battle: The Story of Gordan Chaplin
Gordan Chaplin, an 81-year-old farmer, grapples with the harsh realities of Parkinson’s disease. Once a vibrant figure who owned a sprawling 200-acre farm, Chaplin now relies on a cane and the support of caregivers. “Things just don’t work as well as they used to. In fact, sometimes they don’t work at all,” he laments, reflecting on his gradual decline since being diagnosed with this neurodegenerative condition.
His diagnosis came after years of inexplicable symptoms—his handwriting deteriorated, he experienced vivid dreams, and a constant anxiety settled on his features. Initially, doctors failed to connect the dots. It wasn’t until later that he and his wife, Sarah Teale, began to suspect that the source of their woes lay beneath the rolling hills of their farm, where paraquat had been used for decades.
“Parkinson’s Valley”: The Growing Concern
Teale, on discovering that several neighbours also suffered from Parkinson’s, dubbed the stretch of road linking east and west Hebron “Parkinson’s Valley.” As she researched, the scope of the issue became clearer; 14 local cases emerged, and further inquiries revealed dozens more across nearby towns. “There’s a common culprit,” she insists, pointing to the herbicide that has been a staple of agriculture for years.
Paraquat, a potent chemical primarily used to control weeds in crops like corn and soybeans, has a dubious reputation. Research has repeatedly linked its use to an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, raising significant concerns among health experts. So far, 14 states have introduced legislation to limit or ban its use, yet New York’s efforts to follow suit fell short amid a tumultuous budget stalemate.
Assembly member Linda Rosenthal, a key advocate for the ban, expressed her frustration: “More people will suffer between now and when this bill becomes law. You can bet I’m going to work really hard to make sure it passes the next session.”
Scientific Scrutiny and the Fight for Change
The debate surrounding paraquat is steeped in scientific inquiry. Studies dating back to the late 1990s have established a troubling link between paraquat exposure and the onset of Parkinson’s disease. Research shows that farmers who handle the herbicide are significantly more likely to develop the illness, and those living near treated areas face heightened risks as well. Neurotoxicologist Deborah Cory-Slechta describes the evidence as “one of the strongest databases out there linking a chemical exposure to a disease.”
Despite its alarming implications, the United States has yet to follow the lead of over 70 countries that have banned paraquat. The Biden administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has acknowledged the herbicide’s potential dangers but has hesitated to draw direct links to Parkinson’s disease. Meanwhile, Syngenta, a major producer of paraquat, maintains its safety, citing studies that contradict the mounting evidence.
As public concern grows, the call for change intensifies. In 2025, Syngenta announced it would cease production of paraquat, attributing the decision to market competition rather than health concerns. Yet environmental advocates warn that without a comprehensive ban, other companies could easily fill the void left behind.
A Community United Against a Common Threat
In Hebron, the impact of Parkinson’s is felt deeply. Residents, many of whom have spent their lives farming, are beginning to connect the dots between their exposure to pesticides and the disease that has claimed friends and family members. Local supervisor Brian Campbell, who lost his father to Parkinson’s, believes the herbicide is to blame, although he admits uncertainty about which specific chemicals are responsible.
Activists like Teale have taken it upon themselves to raise awareness and organise community forums. At a recent town hall meeting, the room designed for 60 was filled to capacity with individuals sharing their experiences of the disease. “They just started coming in, and coming in, and coming in,” Teale recalls. The staggering turnout underscores a collective awakening to the perils of paraquat and the urgent need for legislative action.
Why it Matters
The struggle against paraquat in Hebron serves as a poignant reminder of the intersection between agriculture and public health. As residents battle both a debilitating disease and the chemical that many believe is its cause, their fight is emblematic of a larger movement demanding accountability from corporations and governments alike. The call for a ban on paraquat isn’t merely a local issue; it resonates with communities across the nation grappling with similar health crises linked to agricultural practices. As this story unfolds, it highlights the pressing need for robust environmental policies that prioritise human health over profit, ensuring future generations can live free from the shadows of preventable diseases.
