How to Advocate to Your Legislators: Protecting Communities from Paraquat and Advancing Parkinson’s Disease Awareness
Introduction
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the fastest-growing neurological disorders worldwide, with both genetic and environmental factors contributing to its development (Beheshti, 2025). Increasingly, research has focused on environmental exposures—particularly pesticides like paraquat—as potential contributors to disease risk. As awareness grows, so does the responsibility of individuals and communities to advocate for stronger protections through local, state, and federal policy.
Advocacy begins with one critical step: contacting your legislators.
Why Advocacy Matters: The Paraquat–Parkinson’s Connection
Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide still used in U.S. agriculture. Scientific research has shown a significant association between paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease. A meta-analysis found that individuals exposed to paraquat had a statistically significant increased risk of PD, with an odds ratio of 1.64 (Tangamornsuksan et al., 2019).
Similarly, other systematic reviews report that Parkinson’s disease occurrence is approximately 25% higher in individuals exposed to paraquat (Vaccari et al., 2019).
Biologically, paraquat contributes to oxidative stress, which damages dopamine-producing neurons—central to Parkinson’s disease progression (Sharma & Mittal, 2024).
However, it is important to acknowledge that not all studies agree. Some research has found no statistically significant association, highlighting ongoing scientific debate (Weed, 2024).
Despite this, the weight of evidence, combined with precautionary public health principles, has led over 70 countries to ban paraquat while it remains legal in the United States (American Parkinson Disease Association, 2026).
Understanding the Legislative Landscape
Advocacy can occur at multiple levels:
- City/Local Government: Zoning laws, pesticide application restrictions, public land use (parks, golf courses)
- County Government: Environmental health departments, agricultural oversight
- State Legislature: Bans, restrictions, public health initiatives, funding research
- Federal Government: EPA regulation, national pesticide policy, research funding
Each level plays a role in protecting communities from environmental toxins and advancing Parkinson’s awareness.
How to Write Your Legislator (Step-by-Step)
- Identify Your Representatives
- City council members
- County commissioners
- State representatives and senators
- U.S. House and Senate members
Use official government websites to locate your elected officials.
- Structure Your Message
Opening (Who You Are)
- Introduce yourself as a constituent
- Mention your connection to Parkinson’s disease (if applicable)
Problem Statement
- Explain the risk of paraquat and environmental toxins
- Highlight Parkinson’s disease as a growing public health issue
Evidence
- Reference research findings (briefly and clearly)
- Emphasize public health and environmental concerns
Call to Action
Ask for specific action, such as:
- Supporting or introducing legislation to ban paraquat
- Increasing environmental health protections
- Funding Parkinson’s research and prevention efforts
Closing
- Thank them
- Request follow-up or a meeting
Sample Letter (Advocacy Template)
Dear [Legislator Name],
I am a constituent from [City/State] writing to urge your leadership in protecting our communities from environmental toxins linked to Parkinson’s disease.
A growing body of research has identified a significant association between exposure to paraquat and increased risk of Parkinson’s disease (Tangamornsuksan et al., 2019). Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition affecting millions, and prevention must be a priority.
Given Florida’s agricultural presence and environmental exposure risks, I respectfully ask you to support policies that restrict or ban paraquat, strengthen environmental protections, and invest in research and prevention efforts.
Protecting our citizens—especially children, families, and agricultural workers—requires proactive leadership.
Thank you for your time and service. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further.
Sincerely,
Why This Matters for Florida and Beyond
States like Florida face unique challenges due to agriculture, population growth, and environmental exposure risks. Research also shows that pesticide exposure broadly is associated with increased Parkinson’s disease risk (Kozuch, 2022).
Communities near agricultural areas or treated land face higher exposure risks, raising concerns about environmental justice and long-term public health impacts.
Without action, the burden of Parkinson’s disease may continue to grow—affecting families, healthcare systems, and future generations.
A Call to Action
Advocacy is not just about awareness—it is about action.
To make a difference:
- Contact your legislators at all levels
- Share your story
- Support advocacy organizations
- Educate your community
- Demand accountability and prevention-focused policy
Together, we can protect our environment, our families, and future generations.
Conclusion
The movement to address paraquat and Parkinson’s disease is growing—but meaningful change requires collective action. By engaging with legislators and advocating for science-based policy, individuals can play a critical role in shaping a safer future.
The time to act is now.
References
American Parkinson Disease Association. (2026). Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease: Policy and research updates.
Beheshti, I. (2025). Risk and protective factors in Parkinson’s disease.
Kozuch, A. (2022). Pesticide exposure and Parkinson’s disease risk.
Sharma, P., & Mittal, A. (2024). Paraquat as a contributor to oxidative stress and Parkinson’s disease.
Tangamornsuksan, W., et al. (2019). Paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health. (PubMed)
Vaccari, C., et al. (2019). Paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease risk. (PubMed)
Weed, D. (2024). Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease: A systematic assessment of epidemiologic evidence. (European Society of Medicine –)
Photo Credit: https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/