Paraquat

Paraquat is a highly toxic chemical herbicide used primarily for weed and grass control. It has been used commercially for farming and agriculture and is typically sold in liquid form with various concentrations.

It was first manufactured by Imperial Chemical Industries in 1961 but has since been produced by several manufacturers, including Syngenta, and Chevron Chemical Company.

Paraquat was sold under the following names:

• Blanco
• Bonfire Herbicide
• Devour
• Firestorm
• Gramoxone
• Growmark
• Helmquat 3SL
• Para-Shot 3.0
• Parazone
• Quik-Quat
• Bonedry
• Cyclose SL 2.0

Paraquat is prohibited for residential use as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies it under restricted use and can only be utilized by people with a certified applicator license. It is one of the most common commercial herbicides used as an alternative to Roundup.

Paraquat kills weed and grass growth by inhibiting photosynthesis by starting a process that results in the release of destructive elements called reactive oxygen species. These elements also produce the oxidized form of Paraquat, repeating the process and inducing cell damage.

Paraquat poisoning happens with accidental ingestion, inhalation, or skin exposure to the chemical. There is an increased risk of poisoning with prolonged skin exposure, a higher concentration of Paraquat, or contact with broken skin (sores, cuts, or rashes).

The extent of Paraquat poisoning depends on the amount, router, and duration of exposure. The person’s current health condition at the time of exposure is also a substantial factor. Paraquat damages body parts that it comes directly in contact with and can cause toxic chemical reactions to vital organs such as the kidney, liver, and lungs.

Signs and symptoms of Paraquat poisoning include:

• Pain and swelling of the mouth ad throat
• Gastrointestinal distress
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Organ failure
• Confusion
• Lung damage
• Accumulation of fluid in the lungs
• Breathing difficulties
• Muscle weakness
• Seizures
• Coma

People who are exposed to Paraquat are also at risk of serious long-term neurological disorders including Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, and progressive supranuclear palsy.

The Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council sent a letter to the EPA in July 2017 citing studies concluding that Paraquat exposure among teenagers and young adults increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease by 200% to 600%. A study conducted in 2017 cited in the letter found that Paraquat exposure damages DNA and cell respiration, further indicating that it could cause Parkinson’s disease.

If you or your loved one developed Parkinson’s disease after being exposed to Paraquat, Maxwell Law Group can help get you the compensation you deserve. Call (844) 525-7155 or fill out the form below take the first step in protecting your rights.