Paraquat

Since the 1960s, Paraquat has been a commonly used herbicide in commercial farming and the agricultural community within the United States. It is still one of the most commonly used herbicides worldwide. It is estimated that more and more farmers are turning to Paraquat-based products each year due to the fact that crops are becoming more resistant to other well-known herbicides.

Common Paraquat Products

The following is a list of some of the products known to contain Paraquat:

  • Blanco
  • Gramoxone
  • Quik-quat
  • Bonfire Herbicide
  • Helmquat 3SL
  • Bonedry
  • Devour
  • Para-Shot 3.0
  • Cyclone SL 2.0
  • Firestorm
  • Parazone

Paraquat Health Effects

Paraquat is a powerful, toxic chemical introduced in 1961 for commercial purposes as an herbicide for weed and grass control. It is listed as a Restricted Use Pesticide by the US Environmental Protection Agency because it is highly poisonous if ingested. Paraquat is not licensed for home use.

Research has shown that exposure to Paraquat crosses the blood-brain barrier and creates oxidative stress in the neurons of the brain that produce dopamine. Many scientists believe that continual exposure to Paraquat and the resulting death of dopamine-producing neurons highly increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, a chronic and progressive nervous system disorder affecting movement. Parkinson’s is a debilitating disease that currently has no cure.

Legal Action & Assistance

The continued use and exposure to Paraquat-containing products may cause serious side effects. There are currently a number of lawsuits against the manufacturers and distributers of Paraquat, including Syngenta and Chevron USA.

If you are suffering with Parkinson’s disease or Parkinsonism symptoms as a result of Paraquat exposure, please contact Johnson Law Group to receive a complimentary consultation and learn whether or not you may have a viable claim.