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Paraquat is an herbicide that’s commonly used in the US. Farmers use it to kill weeds and grass. However, there have been reports in recent years that paraquat usage has severe health consequences.
Schmidt & Clark lawyers have been helping people get damages due to them for over two decades. We’ve also dealt with countless personal injury cases. Today we’ll explain what products have paraquat and what to do in case of paraquat exposure.
Summary of the Key Findings
- Paraquat is a restricted-use pesticide because it has a high level of acute toxicity to people.
- Agricultural workers are most usually exposed to paraquat.
- Paraquat isn’t banned in the US, but you’ll need to get a certificate to use it.
- Paraquat is manufactured by several companies and is available under many different brands.
Why is Paraquat Dangerous?
Paraquat is dangerous because it's a restricted-use pesticide that's highly toxic for humans, which is why it comes with the Danger/Poison signal.
Recent research has shown that paraquat exposure can lead to severe medical issues. One study found that paraquat exposure disrupts cells and causes mutations that are known to lead to Parkinson’s disease [1].
Paraquat may lead to loss of function in sensitive areas of the brain, which causes Parkinson’s disease.
Another study found that paraquat has a chemical structure very similar to MPTP. MPTP is a common neurotoxicant that also causes neurodegeneration and Parkinson’s disease [2].
Overall, using paraquat herbicide risks developing Parkinson’s disease, damaging some brain areas, and raising oxidative stress in people with already developed Parkinson’s disease.
Related Article: Paraquat Lawsuit (Herbicide Linked to Parkinson's Disease)
What Brand Names is Paraquat Sold Under?
Paraquat has been used in the US since the 1960s, and it’s sold under several herbicide brand names:
Gramoxone- Parazone
- Quick-Quat
- Para-Shot 3.0
- Helmquat 3SL
- Cyclone SL 2.0
- Firestorm
- AH 501
- Crisquat
- Gramuron
- Dexuron
- Para-col
- Devour
- Bonedry
- Blanco
- Dexuron
- Esgram
- Ortho Paraquat CL
- Tota-col
- Toxer total
- PP148
- Gramixel
- Pillarxone
- AH 501
- Bai Cao Ku
Apart from these, paraquat is an active ingredient in other herbicides, such as Simazine, Diquat dibromide, urea herbicides, and metolachlor.
Nowadays, paraquat products are prohibited in 32 countries worldwide, including China, who’s the largest paraquat manufacturer.
However, the use of paraquat has increased in the US. The use of this weed killer went from 3 to 11 million pounds from 2006 to 2017 [3].
But, due to its toxic effects, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in 2019 that paraquat users first have to go through the required training. This training is obligatory for all products with paraquat as an active ingredient to avoid health risks.
Which Companies Manufacture Paraquat?
There are many manufacturers of paraquat in the US. Knowing paraquat manufacturers can help you determine whether you’ve been exposed or not.
Paraquat manufacturers are:
Syngenta- Drexel Company
- Chevron Chemical Company
- Altitude Crop Innovations
- ADAMA Group Company
- Innvictus Crop Care
- Nufarm
- United Phosphorous
- Sinon USA
- Crystal Chemical Inter-America
- Willowood USA
- Helm Agro
- Sharda USA
- Chemtura Corporation
- Tigris
- RedEagle International
Syngenta and Chevron Chemical Company are currently facing several paraquat lawsuits for suspected negligence in manufacturing and selling dangerous herbicides containing paraquat.
“Paraquat is a toxic chemical that is widely used as an herbicide (plant killer), primarily for weed and grass control.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
It’s also suspected that these corporations didn’t include adequate warning labels and that they knew there’s an increased risk of developing and worsening effects in people with developed Parkinson’s disease if using paraquat.
What to Do if You’ve Been Exposed to Paraquat?
Thousands of people use paraquat across the US. Those at the highest risk include agriculture workers and farm owners, adjacent agricultural workers and farm owners, and schoolchildren who go to rural schools near farms that use paraquat.
Paraquat is usually swallowed and can be fatal even if ingested in small quantities.
If you’ve been doing grass control and weed control and ingested paraquat, you can experience these symptoms within several days to weeks:
Nausea- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Dehydration
- Low blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Lung scarring
- Coma
- Fast heart rate
- Muscle weakness
- Seizures
- Pain and swelling of the throat and mouth
If you’ve been exposed to paraquat by itself or in other herbicides, you’ll need medical care.
Getting medical help should be the first thing you do. After that, you should get legal help. Toxic pesticides are commonly sold, and as the federal government hasn’t taken action to stop their use, paraquat lawsuits are on the rise.
Most paraquat lawsuit claimants are farmworkers and people who experience exposure to paraquat because they live next to farms where this herbicide is used.
Consult a lawyer that provides a free case review, so you can find out what your next steps should be.
See all related toxic tort lawsuits that we've covered.
FAQ
Does Roundup contain paraquat?
No Roundup doesn’t contain paraquat. Roundup is also facing several lawsuits due to its high toxicity, but it currently doesn’t have paraquat.
What foods are sprayed with paraquat?
Foods that are usually sprayed with paraquat to eliminate weeds and grasses are commercial crops, such as cotton, corn, and soy.
Get Help With Your Paraquat Lawsuit
Paraquat is a dangerous herbicide that’s available under several brands and manufactured by many corporations in the US.
If you or your loved one have been exposed to paraquat, you should file a lawsuit.
Schmidt & Clark lawyers have experience dealing with lawsuits against large organizations. We can help you get the damages you deserve and have an easier life after paraquat exposure.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
References:
1.https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/05/180523133158.htm
2.https://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/pnsp/usage/maps/show_map.php?
