Parkinson's Disease Linked to Widely Used Herbicide Paraquat

Deadly Weed Killer Paraquat Linked to Parkinson’s Disease

Paraquat is a widely used herbicide that has been banned in 32 countries due to its high toxicity. In the United States paraquat is limited to commercial use and several large brands, like Syngenta, use it in their herbicides. 

Recent studies show that paraquat can increase your risk of Parkinson’s disease. Agricultural workers who were exposed to the herbicide are 2.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s, as opposed to those who did not come into contact with paraquat. Manufacturers have been named in dozens of paraquat lawsuits since 2017.

If you or a loved one developed Parkinson’s disease after being exposed to paraquat, we can help you pursue financial compensation. Click the contact button below, or call us for a free consultation about your paraquat lawsuit.

What is Paraquat?

Paraquat is a commercially successful but highly dangerous weed killer and post-harvest drying agent. Between 2006 and 2016, paraquat use doubled in the United States. The most popular brand of paraquat is Gramoxone SL 2.0 Herbicide, manufactured by Syngenta. Other popular brands include Parazon, Para-SHOT, and Helmquat.

As usage of paraquat increased (seen on the map below), so did the rate of exposure to toxic chemicals. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the Journal of the American Medical Association, and the American Journal of Epidemiology are just a few of the national and state institutions that have published studies linking Parkinson’s disease with exposure to the toxic chemicals in paraquat.

The first lawsuit against paraquat manufacturers was filed in October 2017. Since then dozens of paraquat lawsuits have been filed against Syngenta, Growmark, Chevron U.S.A, Inc. and other manufacturers across the United States.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain’s ability to produce dopamine. Symptoms develop gradually over years and can include tremors, especially in the hands, limb rigidity, and balance problems. Non-motor symptoms may include depression, sleep disorders, and cognitive impairment.

Parkinson’s disease is incurable, and while not always fatal can lead to serious complications. However, the symptoms of Parkinson’s are treatable with medication and surgery.  Most patients require several different types of treatment to manage their symptoms, and may require in-home care to manage their treatment.

How to Join a Paraquat Lawsuit

Studies linking paraquat to Parkinson’s disease have been out for years. In 2017, the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council begged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban the use of paraquat in the United States due to the troubling links between its use and neurodegenerative disease.

So far, nothing has been done to prevent manufacturers from creating or exposing agricultural workers to this dangerous herbicide. So we’re taking the fight to them.

If you have been exposed to paraquat and have developed Parkinson’s disease, a paraquat lawsuit can help you seek compensation for all of your damages including medical costs, lost wages, and loss of quality of life. Getting started with your claim is completely free.

The sooner you get started, the better. States have deadlines for filing toxic exposure lawsuits. Extensive research must be done to link your diagnosis with exposure to paraquat, and this takes time.

A qualified toxic exposure lawyer can ensure all documentation is submitted on time, and can help prove that your Parkinson’s diagnosis is linked to your use of paraquat. Please call or contact us today to get started on your claim.