Australian Authority Keeps Paraquat and Diquat Legal with New Restrictions
澳洲當局在採取新限制下維持百草強及二quat合法化
Introduction
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has finished a long-term review and decided to allow the continued use of the herbicides paraquat and diquat in farming, provided that strict new safety rules are followed.
澳洲農藥及獸醫藥品管理局 (APVMA) 已完成一項長期審查，決定只要遵循嚴格的新安全規範，就允許在農業中繼續使用百草強 (paraquat) 及二quat (diquat) 除草劑。
Main Body
This decision comes after a long evaluation process that began in 1994. Unlike the European Union and the UK, which banned paraquat in 2007 using a 'precautionary approach,' the APVMA used a risk-based assessment. This means they only ban a substance if an actual risk is proven. APVMA Chief Executive Scott Hansen emphasized that scientific research did not show a clear link between these herbicides and Parkinson's disease. However, the agency did admit there are risks to farm workers and harmful effects on birds and mammals.
這項決定是在自 1994 年開始的長期評估過程後做出的。與歐盟和英國在 2007 年使用「預防原則」禁用百草強不同，APVMA 採用的是風險評估法。這意味著他們僅在證明確實存在風險時才會禁用某種物質。APVMA 執行長 Scott Hansen 強調，科學研究並未顯示這些除草劑與柏金遜氏症之間有明確的聯繫。然而，該機構確實承認對農場工人存在風險，且對鳥類和哺乳類動物有有害影響。
To reduce these dangers, the APVMA has introduced strict limits. The maximum amount of chemical allowed per hectare has been significantly lowered from 1,150 grams to 231 grams. Additionally, the use of backpack sprayers is being replaced by enclosed mixing systems and better protective clothing. These changes aim to protect workers from direct exposure during the application process.
為了降低這些危險，APVMA 引入了嚴格的限制。每公頃允許的化學物質最高量已從 1,150 克顯著降低至 231 克。此外，背負式噴霧器將被封閉式混合系統和更好的防護服所取代。這些變更旨在保護工人在施用過程中的免於直接接觸。
Opinions on this decision are divided. Medical experts and Parkinson's Australia assert that the APVMA ignored global data suggesting a higher risk of disease. On the other hand, the National Farmers' Federation and Syngenta Australia argue that these chemicals are essential for modern farming and preventing soil erosion. Meanwhile, some politicians, such as Senator David Pocock, claim that the government is prioritizing industrial profits over public health.
對此決定的看法分歧。醫療專家和澳洲柏金遜氏症協會聲稱 APVMA 忽略了顯示疾病風險較高的全球數據。另一方面，全國農民聯盟和先正達澳洲公司則認為這些化學物質對現代農業和防止土壤侵蝕至關重要。與此同時，部分政治人物（如參議員 David Pocock）則聲稱政府將工業利潤置於公共健康之上。
Conclusion
In summary, paraquat and diquat remain legal in Australia, but they must now be used under much stricter limits and mandatory safety requirements.
總結來說，百草強及二quat在澳洲仍然合法，但現在必須在更嚴格的限制和強制性安全要求下使用。
Vocabulary Learning
💡 The 'B2 Power-Up': Mastering Contrast
At the A2 level, you usually use 'but' to show a difference. To reach B2, you need to use Complex Contrast Markers. These allow you to connect two opposing ideas in one professional sentence.
🔍 Analysis from the Text
Look at how the article handles the conflict between Australia and Europe:
"Unlike the European Union and the UK... the APVMA used a risk-based assessment."
The Logic: Instead of saying "The EU banned it, but Australia didn't," the writer uses Unlike + [Noun]. This is a high-level way to compare two different strategies immediately.
🛠️ How to use it (The A2 B2 Shift)
| A2 Style (Basic) | B2 Style (Sophisticated) |
|---|---|
| I like coffee, but my sister likes tea. | Unlike me, my sister prefers tea. |
| The first movie was slow, but the second one was fast. | Unlike the first movie, the second one was fast-paced. |
| The city is noisy, but the village is quiet. | Unlike the noisy city, the village is peaceful. |
🚀 Pro-Tip: The 'On the Other Hand' Pivot
When you have a lot of information, B2 speakers use a Pivot Phrase to switch sides of an argument. The text does this perfectly:
- Side A: Medical experts say the risk is high. "On the other hand..." Side B: Farmers say the chemicals are essential.
Why this works: It tells the listener, "I have finished explaining one point of view, and I am now moving to the opposite one." It creates a clear map for the reader to follow.