Australia’s pesticide regulator decides to keep the herbicides paraquat and diquat available for use on farms, even though both chemicals are banned in more than 70 countries. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) announces its final decision after a review that spans about 30 years. The decision follows long-running debate about whether exposure to paraquat is linked to Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s advocates, scientists, and neurologists argue that a correlation exists between direct occupational exposure and higher rates of Parkinson’s. The APVMA says risks can be managed through tighter regulatory controls. Reported measures include restrictions on how the chemicals are applied, such as phasing out backpack sprayers, and other steps intended to reduce exposure for workers. The Guardian reports that the manufacturer, Syngenta, had reservations dating back to earlier reviews, while other sources note the compounds’ continued relevance in Australian agriculture. The regulator’s ruling means paraquat and diquat remain legal in Australia under revised conditions.