Effects of paraquat on the neurodevelopment of the youngest of the young

Abstract

In Suriname, the chemical paraquat is a widely used herbicide which is insufficiently regulated and controlled. In this short report we point out two main reasons for looking closer into the dangers paraquat may bring. First: paraquat is a common and very lethal method of attempting suicide. Second: serious suspicions exist that paraquat may influence young mothers and in particular the brains of their babies, even in the prenatal period, possibly leaving them with life-long damage in brain structure and function.