Health issues after using Paraquat Weed Killer?
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Paraquat Lawsuit
Commercial farmers, groundskeepers, agricultural workers in the United States have been using Paraquat to control invasive weeds and grasses since 1964. Applicators spray it on commercial crops such as corn, soy and cotton.
But research has linked long-term Paraquat exposure to Parkinson’s disease, an incurable nervous system disorder that affects movement and communication.
Manufacturers of Paraquat are now being held financially responsible for people who develop serious health issues, including Parkinson’s disease, due to prolonged use and/or exposure to Paraquat.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Paraquat complications
Anyone who utilizes Paraquat or works/lives in places where Paraquat is used may be exposed to serious health complications. This includes groundskeepers, farmers, growers, pickers and other agricultural workers.
Licensed applicators, farmers and agricultural workers that have been exposed to Paraquat for years could have long-term side effects from exposure such as an increased risk for developing Parkinson’s disease and other serious health conditions.
Paraquat Manufacturers & Products:
The following products are manufactured by privately held Sygenta US:
- Gramoxone SL 2.0
- Gramoxone SL 3.0
- Gramoxone SL
- Gramoxone SL Inteon
- Cyclone SL 2.0
- CycloneStar
The following products are manufactured by privately held UPL LTD:
- UPL Agriculture Solutions B.V.
- MacDermid Agriculture Solutions
- FireStorm
- Helm Agro US
- Helm AG
- Helmquat 3SL
The following product is manufactured by ADAMA which is valued at $18.5 billion:
- Parazone 3SL
The following product is manufactured by privately held Tigris:
- Paraquat 3SL
What is Paraquat?
Paraquat dichloride, commonly referred to as “Paraquat,” is one of the most widely used herbicides in the United States. Paraquat is also often referred to as Gramoxone (a popular end-use product). It is an important tool for the control of weeds in many agricultural and non-agricultural settings. It is also used for desiccation of crops, like cotton, prior to harvest.
Over 300 companies manufacture Paraquat products worldwide. Gramoxone, manufactured by Syngenta, is one of the most well-known brands in the United States. Paraquat is highly toxic and can cause short-term and long-term health effects, some of which may be fatal.
Paraquat Health Issues:
Paraquat side effects
Immediate side effects due to exposure to Paraquat include:
- Breathing difficulties or failure, potentially resulting in death
- Coma
- Confusion
- Dehydration
- Elevated heart rate
- Gastrointestinal distress (like nausea, diarrhea or bloody stool, and vomiting)
- Muscle fatigue or weakness Pain and swelling of the mouth and throat
- Seizures
Paraquat long-term health effects
Long-term health effects due to exposure to Paraquat include:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Atypical Parkinson’s
- Multiple system atrophy
- Progressive supranuclear palsy
- Respiratory failure
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Heart failure
Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is an incurable brain disorder. Researchers theorize it’s caused by the loss of neurons that produce dopamine.
Several studies link long-term Paraquat exposure to developing Parkinson’s disease. These studies propose that paraquat increases Parkinson’s disease risk by creating oxidative stress that damages and kills neurons that produce dopamine.
The scientific link to Parkinson’s disease has led several people to file paraquat lawsuits against herbicide manufacturers, including Syngenta.
Lawsuits claim paraquat is defective and led farmers to develop Parkinson’s disease. Plaintiffs say that manufacturers failed to warn the public about the risk.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease:
- Tremor (shaking of limbs)
- Slowed movement (bradykinesia)
- Rigid muscles
- Impaired posture and balance
- Loss of automatic movements
- Speech changes
- Writing by hand issues
Paraquat Lawsuit Sources:
CDC: Facts About Paraquat
https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/paraquat/basics/facts.asp
EPA: Paraquat Dichloride
https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/paraquat-dichloride
EPA: Paraquat Dichloride: One Sip Can Kill
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/paraquat-dichloride-one-sip-can-kill
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