FREE Case Review (866) 588-0600

What are Safer Alternatives to Paraquat for
Weed & Grass Control?

Use of the toxic weed killer paraquat has been discouraged by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as there are numerous safer alternatives widely available on the U.S. market.
Award Logos
Awards & recognition
C.L. Mike Schmidt Published by C.L. Mike Schmidt
Free Consultation
If you or a loved one think you may have a claim, you should contact a personal injury lawyer immediately.

You may be entitled to recover compensation and our legal team can help. Please click the button below for a Free Consultation or call us toll-free 24 hrs/day for legal advice by dialing (866) 588-0600.

Start My Free Case Evaluation

What’s the Problem With Paraquat?

According to the Pesticide Action Network [1], “Paraquat is the most highly acutely toxic herbicide to be marketed over the last 60 years”. Additionally, there are dozens of different species of weeds that have become resistant to paraquat, suggesting that the effectiveness of the weed killer is being eroded over time.

There are numerous highly effective alternatives to paraquat that are being used by many nations, none of which have any significant pesticide/herbicide suicide rate.

Paraquat Alternatives

 Labeled Crops for Postemergence Row Middles Herbicides

WSSA Group Product Name Asparagus Strawberry Cucumbers Pumpkin, winter, and summer squash Cantaloupe Watermelon Eggplant Pepper Tomato
2 League YES YES YES YES
Sandra 75 DF YES YES YES YES YES YES YES
Solida 25DF YES
4 Spur / Stinger 3A YES1 YES2
Weedar 64 YES YES
5 Metribuzin 75DF YES
7 Lorex 50DF YES
14 Aim EC YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES
Reflex 2SL YES3,4 YES3
22 Regione YES5
27 Callisto YES

Do American Farmers Still Use Paraquat?

Yes. Paraquat has been used commercially in the United States since the early 1960s. The EPA estimates that American farmers use more than 8 billion pounds of paraquat annually.

Is Diquat Safer Than Paraquat?

Diquat has been found to be significantly less damaging to the skin than paraquat; however, irritant effects may appear following dermal contamination with the concentrate.

What Does Paraquat Do to Humans and Animals?

When ingestion occurs by humans and animals either accidentally or intentionally, paraquat accumulates in the lungs, resulting in the production of oxygen-free radicals, which causes membrane damage and cell death.

Which U.S. States Use the Most Paraquat?

Paraquat is not used in equal amounts by farmers in each state and, consequently, there are certain states where the use of paraquat weed killers is much greater. Approximately 3 pounds of paraquat are used per square mile in the following U.S. states:

  • California
  • Texas
  • South Dakota
  • Nebraska
  • Kansas
  • Iowa
  • Arkansas
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Mississippi
  • Georgia
  • North Carolina

How Do I Get Rid of Weeds in My Yard Permanently?

Using bleach can kill weeds permanently. Apply one cup of undiluted bleach to areas where weeds grow. Wait until the weeds turn brown before pulling them out of the ground. Run water around the area to flush the bleach, especially if you are trying to grow plants or grass in that area.

Does Vinegar Kill Weeds Permanently?

Vinegar can kill weeds permanently, especially when used together with dish soap. Dish soap, vinegar, and a spray bottle are all you need for making your own natural weed killer. The acetic acid in vinegar sucks out the water from the weed, which dries it up and kills it.

See all related toxic tort lawsuits our attorneys have covered.

Choose our lawyers

Have you or a loved one been injured or exposed to a toxic chemical at work or in the home that has caused a severe life-threatening side effect, illness, disease, or death?

Get a Free Case Review With Our Attorneys

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, LLP 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. 

Free Confidential Case Evaluation

Verified 100% Secure SiteTo contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: (866) 588-0600.