Syngenta’s Gramoxone-branded toxic herbicide paraquat is part of the daily work of farmers in many countries.
Sachindra Perera
2/9
“I can’t sleep at night when I think of someone swallowing Gramoxone somewhere in the world,” says former Syngenta manager Jon Heylings on SRF’s “Rundschau” broadcast.
Sachindra Perera
3/9
Next month, the health risks of paraquat will concern the US judiciary.In this context, Heylings will also testify.
Sachindra Perera
8/9
Farmers use paraquat almost by hand in their fields.
Keystone
9/9
The pesticide paraquat has been criticized for years for its health effects.
“One sip can kill!” The US environmental agency warns against the pesticide paraquat. The toxic herbicide, which the agrochemical giant Syngenta sells in about 100 countries under the name Gramoxone, is banned in Switzerland and the EU. Deaths from the pesticide are believed to number in the tens of thousands.
Former Syngenta chemist Jon Heylings (65) internally pointed out the risks of the pesticide decades ago. The toxicologist, who was responsible for the safety of paraquat products between 1986 and 2007, described his hitherto futile fight at the “Rundschau” last night. SRF-Magazin has internal documents evaluated by the non-governmental organization Public Eye. These show how Syngenta has put profit before product safety at Paraquat and has accepted thousands of deaths.