Paraquat vs Glyphosate:
How Each Lawsuit Differs?

Quick Summary

• Toxicity: Paraquat is 28 times more toxic than Glyphosate.
• Legal Claims: Both lawsuits allege improper product warnings and severe health risks.
• Health Risks: Exposure can lead to Parkinson’s disease (Paraquat) or cancer (Glyphosate).
• Who Is at Risk?: Farmers and agricultural workers are most affected.
• Usage: Paraquat is restricted to commercial use; Glyphosate is available for residential, commercial, and agricultural use.

What Is the Difference Between Paraquat and Glyphosate?

Glyphosate is the primary ingredient in Roundup, while Paraquat is the active ingredient in commercial herbicides like Gramoxone.

• Paraquat is significantly more toxic and banned in over 30 countries.
• Glyphosate remains legal in the U.S. and is widely used in residential and commercial settings.
• Paraquat is restricted to licensed applicators and linked to Parkinson’s disease.
• Glyphosate is associated with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other cancers.

What Is the Difference Between Paraquat and Glyphosate?

Paraquat and Glyphosate are herbicides used to control weeds but differ in toxicity, ingredients, and health risks.

Comparison Table

Key Facts About Paraquat

• Made from Paraquat dichloride, which causes toxic chemical reactions in the lungs, liver, and kidneys.
• Banned in over 30 countries, including the EU and China, but still used in the U.S. for commercial purposes.

Key Facts About Glyphosate

• The main ingredient in Roundup.
• Composed of various salts and surfactants, such as aminomethylphosphonic acid, which has been linked to neurological damage.
• No usage restrictions in the U.S. for home, commercial, or agricultural purposes.

How Do the Paraquat and Glyphosate Lawsuits Differ?

Paraquat Lawsuits

• Ongoing litigation with over 300 pending cases.
• Legal claims argue that Paraquat exposure is linked to Parkinson’s disease.
• Syngenta, the primary manufacturer, has paid over $100 million in settlements so far.

Glyphosate Lawsuits

• Bayer has already paid over $11 billion to settle cases related to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Lawsuits continue, with new cases being consolidated into class-action lawsuits.
• Unlike Paraquat, many claims have already been settled, but litigation remains open.

Side Effects of Paraquat and Glyphosate

Both of these chemicals have exposure symptoms and side effects. There are several side effects of Paraquat poisoning.

These include:

• Tounge ulcers
• Mouth ulcers
• Blood clots
• Cell and tissue death
• Lung cysts
• Lung damage
• Kidney failure
• Liver failure
• Dehydration
• Low blood pressure
• Mineral imbalance
• Parkinson’s disease

There are several side effects of Glyphosate.

These include:

• Liver and kidney damage leading to chronic kidney disease
• Eye irritation
• Skin irritation
• Increased saliva production
• Burns of the mouth and throat
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Cancers
• DNA damage

Toxicity Levels of Paraquat

When someone is exposed to an acutely toxic dose of Paraquat exposure, it has a life-threatening effect on the kidney, liver, heart, gastrointestinal tract, and other vital organs. 

Pulmonary effects of Paraquat exposure are the most lethal and least treatable side effect of Paraquat.

The fundamental mechanism that Paraquat products use that affects the pulmonary system is the generation of free radicals that cause damage to lung tissue [1]. 

It’s terribly toxic, and once it’s in your body, there is no treatment
– Mark Davis, Senior Officer Pesticide Manager, Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN

Glyphosate Toxicity Levels

The highly toxic nature of Roundup is due to the different chemicals added to the formula, such as surfactants.

Aminomethylphosphonic acid is the main ingredient that has been proven to cause neurological damage in humans [2]. 

Risk assessment has shown that prolonged exposure to high concentrations leads to an increased risk of toxicity.

There is no treatment available; the primary treatment option includes decontamination and support.

See all related toxic tort lawsuits our lawyers covered so far.

Who Is at Risk for Glyphosate and Paraquat Exposure?

Why Are These Chemicals Facing Legal Action?

Paraquat Recall and Legal Issues

• While not banned in the U.S., Paraquat is banned in over 30 countries due to its extreme toxicity.
• Studies have strongly linked Paraquat to Parkinson’s disease.
• Lawsuits claim Syngenta failed to warn users of these risks.

Glyphosate Recall and Legal Issues

• No official recall despite lawsuits linking it to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• In a 2019 study, high exposure increased the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma by 41%.
• The EPA continues to approve its use, despite growing evidence of health risks.

What Is the Burden of Proof for a Paraquat or Glyphosate Lawsuit?

To file a lawsuit, you must prove:

• Exposure history – Evidence that you used or were in contact with Paraquat or Glyphosate.
• Medical diagnosis – Proof of cancer (Glyphosate) or Parkinson’s disease (Paraquat) from a licensed medical professional.

Average Settlement Amounts for Paraquat and Glyphosate Lawsuits

FAQs

1. What Products Contain Paraquat?

Herbicide brands that contain Paraquat include Gramoxone, Parazone, Quick-Quat, Para-Shot 3.0, Firestorm, Crisquat, Cyclone SL 2.0, and Helmquat 3SL.

2. Do Many Farmers Still Use Paraquat?

Many farmers still use Paraquat. It is estimated that farmers in the United States use more than eight billion pounds of Paraquat annually.

3. What States Use the Most Paraquat?

The states that use the most Paraquat are North Carolina, Illinois, Nebraska, South Dakota, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Iowa, Texas, California, Kansas, and Indiana.

4. Which Foods Are High in Glyphosate?

Foods high in Glyphosate are almonds, apples, apricots, asparagus, cherries, corn, and dates.

Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP is an experienced team of lawyers that represent plaintiffs in lawsuits.

We handle individuals’ litigations nationwide and investigate lawsuits for Paraquat and Roundup in all 50 states.

If you or a loved one has gotten lymphoma after using or becoming exposed to Roundup or has developed Parkinson’s disease after using or becoming exposed to Paraquat, contact us immediately for a free lawsuit evaluation.

You may be eligible to file a lawsuit, and our law firm can help.

References:

1. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/rmpp_6thed_ch12_paraquatdiquat.pdf
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378427418319040