FILE: Farm workers harvest yellow bell peppers near Gilroy, Calif.

A weed-killing pesticide banned in over 70 countries was recently found to have potentially adverse affects on public health and wildlife in California, according to officials.

Preliminary scientific reports on the herbicide paraquat were released by the state’s Department of Pesticide Regulation last week and reveal potential links between the substance and human health issues, along with an adverse effect on wildlife. Paraquat is used as a weed killer in California, but can only be used or sold by those who have undergone a specific training process as it has been designated as a restricted material by both DPR and the Environmental Protection Agency. DPR is required to conduct a complete reevaluation of the herbicide by 2029, per an Assembly bill........

© SFGate