Everything You need to Know About the Paraquat Lawsuits

Van Law Firm is proud to be assisting those who have suffered from the exposure of toxic products. The herbicide Gramoxone, also known as Paraquat, has recently made headlines for causing neurologic diseases in people. If you or a loved one has been affected by Paraquat exposure, please read the following regarding taking legal action for monetary compensation.

What is Paraquat?

Paraquat was first introduced in 1961. It is an active ingredient in the herbicide, Gramoxone. Gramoxone has become one of the most widely used industrial herbicides amongst farmworkers because of its power in killing weeds. Gramoxone’s potency stems from its high toxicity levels. Paraquat stops the photosynthesis process of weeds, killing them quickly and effectively. Regrettably, Paraquat has similar devastating effects on human cells. Paraquat can cause cellular deficiencies that increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease and associated motor symptoms. The European Union banned Gramoxone in 2007. Since then, herbicides containing the Paraquat ingredient have been banned in over thirty-two countries. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not banned it, but has issued new restrictions on its use.

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Paraquat Regulation

The EPA has poorly regulated highly toxic substances and chemicals such as Paraquat. The EPA has refused to completely outlaw the use of Gramoxone, even though they are aware of its toxicity. Instead, only licensed pesticide applicators are now able to handle the chemical. These pesticide applicators heavily apply Paraquat on many crops in the Eastern part of the United States. This continues to place many people in direct contact with the toxic chemical.

Paraquat Exposure

Farm workers are the people most commonly exposed to Gramoxone followed by people living near industrial farms. These people are generally at the greatest risk for developing Parkinson’s disease and other illnesses. The Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council reported that people who experienced Paraquat exposure in their young lives are 200% to 600% higher risk of having Parkinson’s disease. There are three ways you can be exposed to Paraquat:

• Eating or Drinking – Paraquat molecules can easily mix into foods and drinks. This can make it especially deadly if ingested or drunk. Strong odors, dye, and vomiting agents are added to foods and drinks that contain Paraquat. These act as repellents to keep consumers from mistakenly ingesting the infected foods.
• Inhalation – Inhaling aerosolized chemical or smoked plants tainted with Paraquat can damage your lungs.
• Skin Contact – Paraquat exposure to the skin is also harmful, especially if the exposure is long term.You are at even greater risk of exposure if you have a rash or open wound.

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Effects of Paraquat Exposure

In addition to Parkinson’s Disease, there are other Paraquat exposure symptoms.

Immediate side effects of Paraquat include:

• Diarrhea
• Low blood pressure
• Vomiting and nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Pain of the mouth or throat
• Swelling in the mouth or throat
• Dehydration

People who are exposed to Paraquat long term may experience the following within a few hours or days of exposure or ingestion:

• Lung scarring
• Coma
• General weakness
• Liver failure
• Seizures
• Fluid in the lungs
• Increased heart rate
• Heart and kidney failure

People exposed to Paraquat for months or years are prone to the following health concerns:

• Kidney damage
• Heart failure
• Damaged brain cells
• Inflammation of the skin
• Difficulty breathing
• Weakened immune system

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Contact Van Law Firm

If you or a loved one have developed Parkinson’s disease or other symptoms and suspect that Paraquat exposure may have caused your illness, please contact Van Law Firm today. Our team of highly experienced mass torts attorneys can assist you in filing a Paraquat lawsuit so that you may receive full monetary compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact our office today for a free case assessment and legal consultation.