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.
Clinical Professor David Blacker.

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.