The herbicide paraquat has recently come under fire for presenting a serious health risk to those exposed, including an alleged increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

Due to the concerns over the potential health risks presented by paraquat, more than 30 countries have banned the use of the herbicide, as well as the entire European Union.

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified paraquat as “restricted use,” so only licensed applicators can use the herbicide.

Paraquat is an extremely toxic herbicide, both when inhaled and when consumed directly. Farmers who apply herbicides, even when highly trained, can end up being exposed to the product.

Farmers face the highest risk of harmful paraquat exposure, but even those who live in rural areas where use of the herbicide is high may be exposed, and may in turn suffer serious effects due to paraquat toxicity, including Parkinson’s disease, a condition that can lead to long-term consequences, including permanent disability.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) released a study in 2011 that found that those exposed to either paraquat or another weed-killing agent, rotenone, developed Parkinson’s at a rate approximately 2.5 times higher than those who had not been exposed.

“Paraquat increases production of certain oxygen derivatives that may harm cellular structures,” noted Freya Kamel, Ph.D., a researcher at the NIEHS and co-author of the paper.

Since then, several other studies have also linked paraquat exposure with an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s.

Several influential Parkinson’s advocacy groups have asked the EPA to ban the herbicide due to this risk, including the Unified Parkinson’s Advisory Council (UPAC), the Parkinson’s Foundation, and the American Parkinson Disease Association, among others.

Other than an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, long-term health effects of paraquat poisoning can include lung damage, kidney failure, and heart failure.

Compared with other pesticides, such as Roundup, exposure to paraquat or diquat made up 85% of herbicide-related deaths in the United States between 1998 and 2011, per the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Paraquat is from the Swiss-based agrochemical company Syngenta, and is marketed under a number of brand names, including:

• Gramoxone
• Firestorm
• Parazone
• Helmquat

According to documents from as far back as the 1950s, Syngenta was allegedly aware of the risk associated with paraquat.

Filing a paraquat lawsuit

Some of those exposed to paraquat have turned to litigation, alleging that their exposure has led to serious health complications, including Parkinson’s disease. If you are a farmer, agricultural laborer, or other individual who have been exposed to paraquat, and have subsequently suffered symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, you may be able to file a personal or class action lawsuit and pursue litigation.

Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by Parkinson’s disease, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Pursuing litigation can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.