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What Is Paraquat?
Paraquat is a weed-killing herbicide that is currently banned in 32 countries due to the dangers associated with it. While still available in the United States, paraquat is restricted to commercial use only. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has long acknowledged the potent toxicity of paraquat, concluding that “one sip can kill” a person if ingested, new data suggests exposure to the herbicide can result in an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Did You Develop Parkinson’s Disease After Using or Being Exposed to Paraquat?
Multiple studies have found a link between paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease. According to one study, people who used paraquat alongside another pesticide called maneb were 600 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s than people who were not exposed to the pesticides. Another study, the Agricultural Health Study funded in part by the National Institutes of Health, also found an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s in farmers who used paraquat.
Lawsuits filed on behalf of exposed individuals state that manufacturers of paraquat failed to warn the public that the herbicide could cause Parkinson’s disease. They also claim that the product is defective in design, due to the unreasonable health risks associated with paraquat. The lawsuits note that paraquat products contain no warnings that exposure can lead to Parkinson’s and neurological damage.
Long-Term Neurological Diseases Associated with Paraquat
Exposure to paraquat can result in neurological damage and diseases including:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Atypical Parkinson’s
- Multiple system atrophy
- Progressive supranuclear palsy
Paraquat Poisoning
Another adverse effect associated with paraquat is paraquat poisoning. Paraquat poisoning is lethal and there is no antidote.
Paraquat poisoning can occur if an individual:
- Inhales paraquat
- Ingests paraquat
- Comes into contact with sprayed plants
- Gets paraquat on their skin
- Mixes, loads, or applies paraquat
Common symptoms of paraquat poisoning include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Coma
- Confusion
- Elevated heart rate
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Muscle fatigue
- Weakness
- Pain and swelling of the mouth and throat
- Death
Who is At Risk of Paraquat Exposure?
According to studies, it is not only farmers or farm workers who are at risk of developing Parkinson’s from paraquat exposure. Among those most at risk are:
- Farmers
- Farm workers
- Landscapers
- Gardeners
- Tank fillers
- Transporters
- Herbicide applicators
- Families living around farming communities
Common Paraquat Brands
Among the most common brands of paraquat are:
- Paraquat
- Gramoxone
- Parazone
- Blanco
- Devour
- Firestorm
- Quick-Quat
- Para-Shot 3.0
- Cyclone SL 2.0
Have You Developed Parkinson’s or Other Disease After Being Exposed to Paraquat? Contact an Experienced Paraquat Lawyer
If you or a loved one worked with or were exposed to paraquat and now suffer from Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, or other illness, contact Thomas J. Henry Law now for your FREE case consultation. Our product liability lawyers have experience litigating against manufacturers of dangerous products. We will fight for your rights as an injured victim and work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair financial compensation for the damages you have suffered.
Our attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends. Call now!
