Paraquat exposure linked to Parkinson's disease in farmers and farmworkers

Paraquat is a popular herbicide in the U.S. due to its accessible cost and effectiveness in controlling vegetation and weeds.

Farmers and farmworkers all throughout the country have been extensively using this herbicide since its placement on the market in the 1960s. However, the increasing paraquat demand comes at a hidden price.

This weed killer is actually so toxic that ingesting only one sip can prove to be deadly.

Unlike paraquat poisoning through ingestion, which has an immediate effect, there are other life-altering harms inflicted by the toxic chemical that develop in time through inhalation or skin contact:

• organ failure - kidneys, lungs, liver, heart, and other exposed organs
• respiratory difficulties - wheezing, shortness of breath, asthma
• muscle weakness

Farmers and farmworkers exposed to paraquat can develop life-threatening conditions for simply working in agricultural fields. Even with protective gear, health risks are not excluded; as small particles enter the body, they build up, potentially contributing to Parkinson's Disease.

How do farmers and farmworkers develop Parkinson's disease?

Exposure to paraquat on a regular basis can ultimately lead to the development of Parkinson's disease, a degenerative brain disorder affecting movement and for which there is no cure.

Because it is highly toxic, the Environmental Protection Agency has classified this harmful substance as a restricted-use chemical, only available to trained pesticide applicators. Paraquat exposure can occur in several ways:

• ingestion - when lacking protective additives, paraquat can be mistaken for a safe liquid/beverage and thus ingested, leading to poisoning and potentially death
• inhalation - constant vapor inhalation can inflict severe organ damage over time
• skin contact - a continuous process happening over a long period

The risks of working with this toxic chemical and developing Parkinson's disease are amplified by the manufacturers' failure to provide adequate warnings, despite their knowledge about the correlation between the pesticide and Parkinson's disease and other damaging health consequences.

However, the harsh reality is that the sustained use of paraquat has been linked to increased rates of Parkinson's disease among farmers and farmworkers, who continue to be exposed, putting their health at risk.

Quality assistance for farmers and farmworkers with Parkinson's disease as a result of paraquat exposure

The team of experts at Atraxia Law has more than 35 years of experience in evaluating product liability and personal injury claims throughout the U.S. Upon a careful assessment of your case, we will let you know if you are eligible to file a paraquat exposure claim to recover financial compensation.

If you have been exposed to paraquat as a farmer or farmworker and were subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, contact us right away.