Where Is Paraquat Used Most Often? - In agriculture, paraquat is a common herbicide (weed killer). However, recent research has connected paraquat to an increased risk of neurological illnesses including Parkinson's. This indicates that those who are routinely exposed to paraquat in places where it is most commonly used (for example, commercial agriculture operations in the United States) are more likely to suffer neurological disorders later in life.
Where is Paraquat Used?
So, where is paraquat most widely used, and what steps are being taken to reduce exposure to this potentially hazardous chemical?
Prior to the 1980s, paraquat was employed all over the world to keep invasive and dangerous weeds out of crops and gardens. However, as research uncovered a link between paraquat exposure and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, countries across the world started restricting the use of Paraquat or banning it altogether.
The following countries have banned or restricted the use of paraquat:
- Norway
- Sweden
- Kuwait Finland
- Korea, South
- Philippines
- Columbia
- Hungary
- Dominican Republic
- Austria
- Germany
- Denmark Slovenia
- Caribbean
- Indonesia
- Switzerland
- Chile
- Belize
- Cambodia
- Belgium
Despite these findings, the United States continues to allow commercially licensed people to utilise paraquat.
The decision to restrict its usage to business applications only was made to limit average consumer exposure to the dangerous product and to promote safe application practises. However, it fundamentally disregards the risk of paraquat to persons who work in or reside near commercial farming activities. Despite multiple studies to the contrary, the EPA believes that there is “insufficient evidence” linking paraquat to human health risks.
Use of Paraquat in Commercial Agriculture
The most paraquat is used in places with a high concentration of commercial agriculture, where vast farms grow everything from fruits and vegetables to textile crops like cotton. This comprises much of the Midwest, south, and west of the United States.
Who is the most vulnerable to paraquat exposure?
Those most at risk of paraquat-containing pesticide exposure include:
- Farmers and field workers who use herbicides containing paraquat
- Applicators include individuals who use “manual” sprayers as well as those who use tractors outfitted to spray paraquat.
- People who live near or on farms that use paraquat
- People that drink paraquat-contaminated well water as a result of runoff
- Rural pupils who went to schools near farms that sprayed paraquat
As you can see, not just agricultural employees are at risk of being exposed to paraquat. People who reside in locations that are simply next to commercial agriculture activities that use paraquat may be at risk of harmful exposure due to phenomena such as herbicide drift and overspray.
“HOW DO I BECOME QUALIFY FOR A PARAQUAT LAWSUIT?”
To be eligible for a Paraquat lawsuit, you must have the following:
- Handled paraquat as a mixer, loader, or applicator, or were otherwise exposed to it (and were appropriately licenced); OR
- Have you been exposed to paraquat as a result of paraquat drift, overspray, or groundwater contamination?
- Following the paraquat exposure, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Other criteria may be applicable.
It might be difficult to show your eligibility for a Paraquat lawsuit, which is why it is best to see an experienced attorney who can thoroughly analyse your case and determine whether you are eligible for compensation.
If you or a loved one developed Parkinson’s disease after being exposed to Paraquat, The Justice Now can assist you.
There are no upfront fees or attorney fees unless we win your paraquat lawsuit and you obtain compensation. Call 1-888-885-2771 and we’ll go over your claim.
