1. What is Paraquat and how is it related to Gramoxone?

Paraquat dichloride is a highly toxic herbicide used to control weeds and grasses. Gramoxone is the primary brand name under which Paraquat is marketed by Syngenta. The terms are often used interchangeably in lawsuits, with Paraquat being the active chemical compound and Gramoxone being the commercial product containing it.

2. How does Paraquat cause Parkinson's disease?

Scientific research indicates Paraquat can cross the blood-brain barrier and damage dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain. This damage mirrors the pathology seen in Parkinson's disease, causing oxidative stress and neuron death that leads to the characteristic motor symptoms of the disease [ 3 ].

3. Who is most at risk for Paraquat exposure?

Those at highest risk include farmers, agricultural workers, herbicide applicators, crop dusters, and individuals living in rural communities where Paraquat is regularly used. Studies show even low-level, long-term exposure can significantly increase Parkinson's disease risk by up to 250%.

4. What is the average settlement amount for Paraquat lawsuits?

While many cases are still pending, legal experts estimate settlement values ranging from $100,000 to $3 million per claim depending on severity of illness, age at diagnosis, extent of exposure, and strength of causation evidence. Some early settlements have reportedly reached the higher end of this range for cases with extensive documentation.

5. Can I file a lawsuit if I was exposed to Paraquat but don't have Parkinson's yet?

Generally, you must have a diagnosed injury to file a claim. However, if you have documented Paraquat exposure and are experiencing early symptoms of neurological damage, an attorney can advise on monitoring your condition and preserving your legal rights should you develop Parkinson's disease in the future.

6. How long does a Paraquat lawsuit take?

Most Paraquat lawsuits take between 1-3 years to resolve, though this timeline varies based on case complexity, court backlogs, and whether a settlement is reached before trial. The MDL process currently underway may potentially expedite some cases through coordinated discovery and settlement discussions.

7. Are family members eligible to file if their loved one died from Parkinson's after Paraquat exposure?

Yes, immediate family members can file wrongful death claims if their loved one died from Parkinson's disease linked to Paraquat exposure. These claims must typically be filed within 1-3 years of the death, depending on state law, and can recover compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship.

8. What sets Paraquat lawsuits apart from other herbicide litigation?

Unlike other herbicide lawsuits that focus primarily on cancer risks, Paraquat litigation centers on its established neurological effects, particularly the development of Parkinson's disease. The scientific evidence linking Paraquat and Parkinson's is considered stronger than many other toxic exposure cases, with multiple peer-reviewed studies supporting the connection.

What Products Contain Paraquat? (Brands & Manufacturers)

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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, LLP 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.

Table Of Contents

What Products Contain Paraquat?
Why is Paraquat Dangerous?
- Banned in Dozens of Countries — Still Rising in the U.S.
Which Companies Manufacture Paraquat?
What to Do if You’ve Been Exposed to Paraquat?
FAQ
Get Your Free Paraquat Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

What Products Contain Paraquat?

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.

These products are typically used by licensed professionals in large-scale farming and are restricted due to their high toxicity.

Paraquat is often applied to crops like soybeans, cotton, corn, and orchards to control weeds before planting.

Why is Paraquat Dangerous?

Paraquat is a highly toxic weed killer that requires a special license to handle.

Because of how harmful it is to humans, products with paraquat are labeled with strong warnings that say “Danger” or “Poison.”

Even small amounts can cause serious health problems through skin contact, breathing it in, or swallowing it.

Studies have shown that paraquat exposure may be linked to long-term health damage.

Researchers found the following:

It damages cells and may cause changes in the body that are known to lead to Parkinson’s disease [1].
It may harm parts of the brain that affect movement and coordination.
Its structure is nearly identical to MPTP, a chemical that causes similar effects in the brain, including symptoms tied to Parkinson’s [2].

Banned in Dozens of Countries — Still Rising in the U.S.

Nowadays, paraquat dangerous products are prohibited in 32 countries worldwide.

These include:

China, which once produced the most
The United Kingdom
Several members of the European Union
Brazil

Despite this, the use of paraquat in the United States has increased. Between 2006 and 2017, use grew from 3 million to 11 million pounds per year [3].

In 2019, the Environmental Protection Agency set new rules. Anyone using products that contain paraquat must first complete training.

This rule applies to all products with paraquat as the active ingredient and is meant to lower the risk of injury and long-term health problems.

Paraquat continues to be the subject of lawsuits by people who believe it caused their illness after exposure on farms or near agricultural areas.

Related Article: Is Paraquat Banned in the United States?

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
Invictus 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 was 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 believe you were exposed to paraquat, here are steps to take right away:

Call emergency services if serious symptoms are present or if ingestion occurred.
Avoid further exposure by removing contaminated clothing and washing your skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Do not induce vomiting if swallowed. Instead, wait for medical professionals to provide appropriate treatment.
Document everything, where and how you were exposed, symptoms, and medical visits. This may be important for legal or compensation purposes.

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 farm workers and people who experience exposure to paraquat because they live next to farms where this herbicide is used.

Consult a lawyer who provides a free case review, so you can find out what your next steps should be.

FAQ

1. Does Roundup contain paraquat?

No, Roundup doesn’t contain paraquat. Roundup’s active ingredient is glyphosate, which is different from paraquat. Both herbicides have faced litigation due to alleged health risks, but they are separate chemical compounds with different toxicity profiles and health concerns.

2. 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. Paraquat is also used on fruit orchards, vegetable fields, and other agricultural products to control weed growth before planting or harvesting.

3. What safety measures can reduce the risk of Paraquat exposure?

Using protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and protective clothing can significantly reduce the risk of exposure. Proper handling, storage, and application techniques are also essential to minimize contact with the herbicide. Only certified applicators should handle paraquat products.

4. How do I know if I’ve been exposed to paraquat?

Signs of acute paraquat exposure include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and mouth/throat pain. Long-term exposure may contribute to Parkinson’s disease development with symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and balance problems. If you’ve worked with herbicides or lived near farms using paraquat, consult a doctor about potential exposure.

5. How much compensation can I receive from a paraquat lawsuit?

Compensation amounts vary widely based on the severity of your injuries, extent of exposure, medical costs, lost income, and other factors. Some early settlements have ranged from $100,000 to over $1 million. Each case is unique, and an attorney can help estimate your potential recovery based on your specific circumstances.

6. How long does it take to resolve a paraquat lawsuit?

Paraquat lawsuits typically take 1-3 years to resolve, depending on whether they reach settlement or go to trial. The multi-district litigation (MDL) process may expedite some aspects, but complex scientific and medical issues can extend the timeline. Your attorney can provide a more specific estimate based on your case details.

7. Can family members file a lawsuit if a loved one died from paraquat exposure?

Yes, family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit if a loved one died due to paraquat exposure. Spouses, children, and sometimes parents may be eligible to seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship.

See all related toxic tort lawsuits our attorneys have covered.

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Get Your Free Paraquat Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for paraquat-related injuries. Most states have statutes of limitations ranging from 2-5 years from the date of diagnosis or discovery that paraquat caused your condition.

Delaying action could prevent you from seeking the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering caused by paraquat exposure.

Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:

Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
No upfront costs or fees for representation
Payment only if we win your case
Experienced representation against large chemical companies

References:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/05/180523133158.htm
https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml
https://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/pnsp/usage/maps/show_map.php?year=2017&map=PARAQUAT&hilo=L&disp=Paraquat

Dangerous Paraquat Products: What You Need to Know and How to Respond to Exposure