Which herbicides can cause Parkinson’s disease?

As one of the most commonly used herbicides nationwide, paraquat can be responsible for causing Parkinson’s disease in people who are frequently exposed to it. Those with a history of paraquat exposure have a 250% or even higher risk of developing the disorder, which has no cure.

Even if farmworkers use protective gear when applying paraquat, they are still exposed to the herbicide.

However, in addition to paraquat, there are other pesticides that have a significant association with Parkinson’s disease, such as:

• glyphosate: mostly sold under the brand name Roundup, glyphosate has been shown to cause the death of neurons in the substantia nigra, which is a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease
• 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid: this is a selective herbicide that kills many terrestrial broadleaf weeds, but not grasses, and has also been associated with Parkinson’s disease
• maneb: as a fungicide, maneb was found to increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease in people who use it in combination with paraquat, as both are neurotoxic
• organophosphorus and organochlorine pesticides: exposure to these pesticides doubles the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease in those who regularly apply them to crops
• carbamates: exposure to these insecticides, which are often used in combination with paraquat, can increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease by 455%
• rotenone and permethrin: often found in clothing or nets treated to kill mosquitoes, these insecticides have a significant connection with Parkinson’s disease

If you have Parkinson’s disease and intend to file a claim, it is very important to know that you can seek legal recourse only if your diagnosis is the result of paraquat exposure. This is because exposure to other pesticides does not have a strong enough connection with the disorder, and more research is needed to find a definitive association. Paraquat exposure victims are encouraged to contact our expert team, as they might be eligible for compensation.

File your paraquat exposure claim with the assistance of our expert team

Atraxia Law has over 35 years of experience in assessing personal injury and product liability cases, so we have the necessary knowledge and resources to help you figure out whether you are eligible to file a paraquat exposure claim. The only documents we will need from you are evidence of your paraquat exposure and your medical records. If you are eligible, we will put you in touch with a specialized attorney to have your claim filed.