What is Paraquat?

Large farms use Paraquat Dichloride Hydrate to control weeds as part of their no-till farming practices. The use of this chemical is increasing as more weeds are resistant to RoundUp, a glyphosate-based product by Monsanto. Paraquat is used on American farms every year for millions of pounds. Some of it can contaminate air, water, and ground.

The Environmental Protection Agency restricts paraquat products. They can only be used by licensed applicators. Paraquat, which is highly poisonous, is colored blue in the United States, has a warning smell, and contains a vomiting agent.

Paraquat can be found in many places.

Paraquat is unavailable in garden supply stores or your local farm store because it has a restricted-use status. Paraquat, also known as Gramoxone or Ortho Paraquat, is directly sold to large agricultural buyers. It is marketed and labeled as more effective than glyphosate and capable of combating “superweeds.”

You may be exposed to Paraquat spraying in the area where you live or work, particularly around or within:

• Commercial Farmland
• Large estates
• Plantations and orchards
• Cotton fields where it is desiccated
• Small farm or homestead
• New Construction Areas
• On the roadside or in no-till fields
• Contaminated Water Sources

Paraquat is commonly used to treat the following crops:

• Pears
• You can also find out more about the following:
• Almonds
• Soybeans
• Corn
• Cotton
• Grapes
• strawberries
• peanuts
• You can also find out more about the wheat
• Citrons
• sweet potatoes
• artichokes

Paraquat and Health Risks

Paraquat exposure is becoming more common, and serious health risks come with it. Paraquat poisoning is a serious risk to health for anyone who works with this chemical herbicide. However, lower levels of exposure also increase the risk of Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s Disease and Paraquat

Numerous studies have shown that the herbicide Paraquat is linked to Parkinson’s. A study from 2011 showed that those exposed to Paraquat had a 2.5-fold higher risk of developing Parkinson’s than the general population. This is equivalent to a 250% increased risk for anyone who comes into contact with the toxic herbicide. 1,3 Another study found that exposure to Paraquat at a distance of 1600 feet from a house raised the risk by 75%. 4,

Parkinson’s is a serious central nervous system disorder. There is currently no cure. Although there is a genetic component to Parkinson’s disease in about 10% of cases, environmental exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals is believed to be the main cause. Researchers use Paraquat to cause Parkinson’s disease in mice to test new treatments.

Paraquat Poisoning Symptoms

Paraquat is poisonous in small doses. A single sip, or 2.5 grams of the substance, can be fatal. Paraquat is toxic, and anyone who works with it or uses it must be very careful to avoid inhaling, ingesting, or allowing the substance to remain on their body. Paraquat poisoning has no antidote.

Those who are most at risk include:

• Paraquat can be inhaled or consumed.
• Contact with sprayed plants
• Add, mix, or load the substance
• Paraquat can be found on clothing or skin
• Paraquat spraying in the area where you live or work

Paraquat poisoning can cause: 

• Difficulty in breathing
• Coma or loss of consciousness
• Mental confusion
• Low blood pressure and elevated heart rate
• Dehydration rapid and electrolyte imbalance
• Weaknesses and muscle fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Swelling of the throat or mouth that is painful
• Seizures or confusion?

Paraquat poisoning can lead to severe health effects over the following days or weeks.

• Acute kidney failure
• Heart attack or heart failure
• Liver Failure
• Lung scarring and damage
• Edema is pulmonary (fluid inside the lungs).

Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder of the brain caused by a loss of neurons and neurotransmitters. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are progressive and can include movement disorders and other indicators. Paraquat exposure is associated with several other neurological disorders, including:

• Parkinson’s disease Atypical
• Multiple System Atrophy
• Progressive Supranuclear palsy

Parkinson’s disease symptoms that are related to movement or motor function

Early Parkinson’s symptoms include difficulty in moving, such as 5

• Postural instability
• Balance impaired
• Legs that are stiff or rigid
• Shaking or tremors at rest
• Dystonia is a painful, distorted posture
• Uneven gait or difficulty walking
• Difficulty in speaking
• Slow voluntary movements and reflexes
• Resisting passive movement

Parkinson’s Disease Other Symptoms

These include: 

• Cognitive impairment
• Apathy, anxiety or depression in general
• Constipation, stomach problems
• Weight loss
• Insomnia
• Other Sleep or Behavior Disorders
• The sense of smell is affected by several problems
• Pain and fatigue
• Psychosis
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Urinary Problems
• Vision problems
• Sexual Issues
• Personality changes
• Excessive sweating

What actions has the EPA taken against Paraquat?

Normally, the EPA will not review a herbicide again for 15 Years after it has been approved. In July 2021, the EPA issued an interim decision to review the registration. The EPA has made new recommendations to reduce the risk of environmental damage and exposure. These requirements are: 

• Paraquat must never be stored around or in residential buildings.
• You must not use it in your home garden, parks, golf course, playgrounds or schools.
• Aerial applications per applicator are limited to 350 acres in 24 hours.
• A residential area drift buffer must be installed to limit spray drift into residential areas.
• The use of human flaggers is not permitted for aerial applications.
• The use of backpack sprayers and handguns with pressurized sprayers is not permitted.
• Farm equipment that enters a treated area greater than 80 acres in less than 24 hours must have a cab enclosed.
• Within 24 hours after application, enclosed cabs with PF10 respiratory protection are required to enter an area less than 90 acres.
• All crops, except cotton, require a 48-hour restriction on entry.
• For cotton desiccation, a seven-day entry restriction is required.
• Labeling should be updated with current warnings about usage, toxicity and spray drift.

Should You File A Paraquat Lawsuit?

Paraquat lawsuits have already been filed against corporations, corporate farms and individuals. You may be entitled to compensation if you or someone close to you was exposed and suffered serious health issues, such as Parkinson’s Disease.

You can usually speak with an experienced Paraquat lawyer about your case at no charge. You may have a unique situation that requires you to file Paraquat litigation, but the majority of victims are seeking compensation because:

• Medical costs
• Funeral costs
• Costs of treatment and care
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of loved ones
• Punitive damages

Class Actions and Paraquat Settlements

In some cases, law firms file lawsuits against chemical manufacturers who knew or should have been aware that exposure to Paraquat would be harmful.

If you are part of a group action or file a personal injury lawsuit for Paraquat exposure and injury, the plaintiff could make a settlement to cover your claim. If a settlement is reached, your Paraquat attorney can tell you whether it’s enough compensation for you or your family.

Both parties can avoid court by settling out of court. Your attorney will represent you in court if a fair settlement is impossible. Our personal injury lawyers have years of experience winning cases such as these caused by dangerous products like Paraquat.

Learn More about Your Legal Options

Paraquat is a toxic chemical widely used in the United States. Its use can be estimated at 10 million pounds per year. The high usage levels mean that more people will be exposed to Paraquat, potentially with life-changing results. We are working on hundreds of these cases at Saunders & Walker P.A. and would love to hear from anyone Paraquat has injured.

We know that exposure to chemicals like Paraquat could be the cause of your Parkinson’s diagnosis. We can track your exposure to Paraquat and prepare a claim that could result in compensation both for you and your family. Paraquat poisoning or exposure is a tragic event that should be avoided. However, most clients were injured through no fault on their part.

Call us now for a free evaluation of your case and to learn more about your options following exposure to Paraquat. We are ready to help you make this critical decision and get the compensation you and your family need.