Paraquat
Paraquat is a chemical agent that is commonly used as an herbicide or weed killer. It is listed as a toxic herbicide by the American Council of Science and Health. Injuries caused by Paraquat are severe and can link to Parkinson’s disease, depending on the amount of toxic exposure. It affects many parts of the human body, including the lungs, kidneys, and liver. Additionally, Paraquat has been banned or prohibited in multiple countries, such as the EU, China, Switzerland, and Brazil.
Symptoms
Claimants who have symptoms of Paraquat poisoning have been known to show symptoms of nausea, stomach aches, vomiting, diarrhea, acute renal failure, confusion, rapid heartbeat, muscle weakness, respiratory failure, depression, cognitive impairment, and seizures. Symptoms of Parkinson’s related to Paraquat use are Bradykinesia, limb stiffness or rigidity, resting tremors, and other slow motor symptoms.
Science
Experiments and EPA testing have shown that the contaminant MPTP causes users to suffer from symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease. Some of these experiments have destroyed dopamine neurons, leading to the same form of damage indicated as Parkinson’s. The unified Parkinson’s advocacy counsel indicated that the risk of developing Parkinson’s because of exposure to Paraquat could be increased by more than 200%.
Litigation
Paraquat had its first filed claim in 2017 against Syngenta in Growmark in Missouri. Some of the plaintiffs included farmers and agricultural laborers who were constantly exposed to or inhaled Paraquat consistently.
Potential Victims of Paraquat
Any farm worker, farmer, licensed Paraquat applicators, or families living near farming communities that may have experienced runoff, and any chemical and tank mixers may all be at risk as a potential victim of Paraquat.
Michael Brady Lynch Firm
We have been handling multidistrict litigations such as this herbicide for a decade. If you or a loved one has been exposed to the herbicide Paraquat and have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, please contact us at the Michael Brady Lynch Firm at 888-585-5970.
