Paraquat (“Gramoxone”) is an herbicide, or weed killer, and is primarily manufactured by Syngenta and Chevron Chemical Company. It was introduced to the market in 1961 and is used by farmers and agricultural workers throughout the United States as an all-purpose weed killer.
However, due to its toxicity, Paraquat is available for use only by commercially licensed users and is sold in two forms:
- Concentrate
- Granules
As a herbicide, Paraquat acts by inhibiting photosynthesis. In simple terms, Paraquat binds to the weed leaf, penetrates the surface, and then kills the weed from the inside out.
Paraquat herbicide exposure is most common among farmers and agricultural workers. Exposure to Paraquat herbicide can happen in several ways, including:
- Contact with skin by mixing or applying Paraquat
- Inhaling during usage (mucous membrane)
- Swallowing (if you have not properly washed your hands after use)
- Respiration
Paraquat penetrates the blood-brain barrier and infects healthy brain cells (neurons), which causes cell death. Unfortunately, neurons do not regenerate.
If you are an individual who regularly uses this chemical, you could be at a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease. It is more likely that Paraquat caused your Parkinson’s if you have worked as a:
- Farmer
- Landscaper
- Groundskeeper
- Agriculture worker
- Pesticide and herbicide applicator
Although there is no official Paraquat recall, you may qualify for compensation. If you have any reason to believe that you have a higher-than-average rate of Paraquat exposure—even if you haven’t worked in these occupations—it’s worth finding out more.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms generally develop slowly over the years. The progression of symptoms is often a bit different from one person to another due to the diversity of the disease.
People with Parkinson’s Disease may experience the following:
- Tremor, mainly at rest and described as a pill-rolling tremor in hands
- Slowed movement (Bradykinesia)
- Limb rigidity (muscle stiffness)
- Impaired posture and balance
- Loss of automatic movements
- Speech changes
Gramoxone, the chemical used in Paraquat, has been linked to a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease. Researchers have investigated a possible link between Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease in a study of 80,000 farmers. They found them 2.5 times more likely to get Parkinson’s if they used the weed killer Paraquat.
If you have questions about Paraquat’s risk and want to discuss your case, contact our attorneys to learn how we can help.
[VIDEO: Paraquat Under Probe: Suit Alleges Link to Parkinson’s]
