New research indicates that diquat, a weedkiller ingredient widely used in the US as a replacement for glyphosate, is more toxic than glyphosate and can damage organs (kidneys, lungs, liver) and gut bacteria. Diquat is banned in the UK, EU, and China, but the US EPA has resisted calls for regulation, leading to 'regrettable substitution'.
Weedkiller ingredient widely used in US can damage organs and gut bacteria, research shows
HerbicidesUnited StatesHealthEnvironmentAgriculturePesticidesScienceUS Environmental Protection Agency
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️New research indicates that diquat, a weedkiller ingredient widely used in the US as a replacement for glyphosate, is more toxic than glyphosate and can damage organs (kidneys, lungs, liver) and gut bacteria. Diquat is banned in the UK, EU, and China, but the US EPA has resisted calls for regulation, leading to 'regrettable substitution'.
Trending- 1 2018: Bayer bought Monsanto.
- 2 Last year (2024): Roundup formulas with diquat hit the shelves in the US.
- 3 October (unspecified year, likely 2024): Friends of the Earth analysis found diquat 200 times more toxic than glyphosate.
- 4 2022: EPA banned chlorpyrifos (decision later overturned by court).
- 5 Current: New research published on diquat's toxicity.
- 6 Current: Diquat widely used in US, banned in UK, EU, China.
- 7 Current: EPA not reviewing diquat, resisting calls for ban.
- Damage to gut bacteria
- Damage to organs (kidneys, lungs, liver)
- Potential for multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
- 'Regrettable substitution' of toxic chemicals
- Continued use of a substance banned in many other countries
- Legal challenges against EPA decisions (e.g., chlorpyrifos ban overturned)
What: New research reveals that diquat, a weedkiller ingredient, can damage organs and gut bacteria.
When: Published 2025-07-06; the research is 'new'. Roundup formulas with diquat hit shelves 'last year'.
Where: United States (where diquat is widely used), UK, EU, China (where it is banned).
Why: Diquat is used as a replacement for other controversial herbicides like glyphosate and paraquat, but it is proving to be more toxic. The US EPA's regulatory structure is seen as ineffective and potentially influenced by industry, leading to 'regrettable substitution'.
How: A review of scientific literature focusing on diquat's multiple ways of damaging organs and gut bacteria, including reducing gut lining proteins, inhibiting beneficial bacteria, and causing inflammation.