Paraquat was developed in the 1960s and has continued to grow in popularity as weeds have become more resistant to other products. However, recent studies have shown that symptoms of Paraquat exposure can lead to increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.
According to the National Institutes of Health, Paraquat users are up to 2.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s than non-users. As of October 2021, there were 329 Paraquat lawsuitspending nationwide..
In addition, research concluded that exposure to Paraquat herbicide can cause prenatal neurodevelopmental toxicity similar to Parkinson’s disease. This new information, released in September 2021, is significant news as it’s the first research showing Paraquat potentially leading to prenatal health defects
The highly poisonous liquid weedkiller is typically marketed with a blue dye and a strong odor and has become highly regulated with enhanced protection mandates outside of the United States. In fact, Paraquat is banned in 32 countries.
Despite its negative impact on public health, Paraquat usage is expected to continue to increase across the United States. In 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reapproved continued use of the chemical for another 15 years, a decision that drew heavy criticism from environmental and public health organizations.
While Paraquat remains legal, the EPA has deemed it a restricted-use chemical, which means only commercially licensed applicators can use Paraquat.
Paraquat Herbicides Linked to Parkinson’s Disease
People diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease reported they were exposed either directly through working with the weed killer or by proximity to land that was treated with Paraquat. . The link to Parkinson’s is linked to herbicides that are identical to Paraquat, but have been manufactured under names like:
- Blanco
- Bonfire Herbicide
- Devour
- Firestorm
- Gramaxone
- Helmquat
- Para-SHOT
- Parazone
- Quik-Quat
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What Are the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?
One of the most worrying aspects of Parkinson’s is how easily and often the disease can go undetected throughout its early phases. However, the condition will almost always become noticeable, with the following common symptoms of herbicide exposure:
- Tremors in the hands, fingers, and limbs
- Rigid muscles or stiffness
- Slowed movements such as getting out of a chair or taking shorter steps while walking
- Impaired speech, including slurring and hesitation
- Impaired balance
- Writing changes (difficulty writing, small writing, general shaking of the hands)
- Impairment of unconscious movements such as smiling
Parkinson’s is a disease that worsens with time. However, there is treatment available to help lessen and slow down symptoms from progressing. This can lead to other symptoms such as anxiety, depression and difficulty sleeping.
Paraquat Herbicide Law Firm
If you or someone you know may have been exposed to Paraquat as a farmer, farm worker, herbicide applicator, chemical mixer, tank filler, agricultural pilot, or if you lived near crops treated with the dangerous herbicide, Cory Watson Attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you need for your injuries and suffering. Call now at 877-562-0000 or fill out our free consultation form. The lawyers at Cory Watson will evaluate your case 100% free of charge.
Cory Watson’s dedicated, experienced lawyers have handled thousands of dangerous chemical lawsuits for decades, and we believe you shouldn’t have to pay for a company’s negligence. Our legal team is ready to help you get the compensation you deserve for the suffering you have gone through.
ABOUT CORY WATSON ATTORNEYS
Cory Watson Attorneys is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm with offices in Birmingham, Alabama as well as Memphis, and Nashville, Tennessee. The firm has recovered more than $3 billion for clients across the country. Cory Watson Attorneys are frequently at the forefront of major class actions and multidistrict litigations involving product liability related to serious injuries from defective products and are often appointed to leadership positions in national cases. Firm practice areas include Personal Injury, Product Liability, Class Action, Asbestos, Business & Commercial Litigation, Dangerous Pharmaceuticals, Defective Medical Devices, and Environmental/Toxic Torts.
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