The use of herbicides, including the paraquat herbicide, has long been controversial, not just because of questions of long-term pollution and risks to food, but also because of those who are directly affected by its use, such as farmers.

Farmers and others who work around certain herbicides such as paraquat may face an increased risk of certain health effects, including an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.

Dozens of countries around the world have banned the use of the paraquat herbicide, along with the European Union — but the United States is not one of them. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified paraquat herbicide as “restricted use.”

Those who are qualified to use paraquat herbicide generally do so regularly in the course of their work and, even with the proper protective measures taken, may still be exposed to large amounts of the dangerous substance.

There are a number of ways that people can be exposed to paraquat herbicide, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These include:

• Long-term skin exposure
• Skin exposure to highly concentrated amounts
• Exposure through cuts or sores on the skin’s surface
• Direct swallowing/ingestion
• Inhalation
• Inadvertent contamination through food/beverages

Paraquat exposure can lead to a number of symptoms, the CDC notes, including:

• Irritation to eyes, skin, nose, throat, and/or respiratory system
• Epistaxis (nosebleed)
• Dermatitis
• Fingernail damage
• Irritation to gastrointestinal tract
• Heart, liver, and/or kidney damage

Those most at risk for paraquat exposure are those who directly apply the herbicide to crops. However, those who live in nearby rural areas where heavy use is common may also suffer serious health effects. Paraquat is also sold under the brand names Gramoxone, Firestorm, Parazone, and Helmquat.

Exposure to paraquat herbicide has also been linked with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.

Farmworkers exposed to paraquat herbicide have been found to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 2.5 times more often than those who were not exposed, according to a 2011 study from the National Institute of Health (NIH).

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder, with symptoms starting gradually and worsening over time. Key symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:

• Tremor in a limb
• Slowed movement
• Rigid muscles
• Impaired posture and balance
• Loss of automatic movements
• Speech changes
• Writing changes

Despite the risk for paraquat side effects, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ruled in August that the herbicide can stay on the market. However, lack of regulatory action hasn’t stopped paraquat users from taking legal action after developing Parkinson’s disease.

A growing number of people are filing paraquat herbicide lawsuits, alleging that the herbicide causes Parkinson’s disease. A group of plaintiffs recently asked the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to consolidate their paraquat lawsuits into an MDL.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after being exposed to paraquat, especially long-term or at higher quantities, you may be able to join a paraquat herbicide Parkinson’s disease class action lawsuit investigation.

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

Filing a lawsuit 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 paraquat herbicide claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.