Paraquat Litigation Overview
Paraquat is a herbicide used by farmers across the country. Recent studies have established a link between exposure to Paraquat and a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Paraquat, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Please contact us to learn more.
What is Paraquat?
Paraquat was commercialized in the 1960’s and is intended to serve as a low-cost means for farmers to control weeds. It is marketed through various brand names, including Cyclone, Helmquat, Parazone, and Gramaxone. Gramaxone is the most popular brand.
Paraquat is sprayed onto crops, including soybeans, corn, and cotton. It typically has a bright blue color and a distinctive odor.
Paraquat is banned in many areas of the world, including the European Union, China, Brazil, and even Syria. Yet Paraquat is marketed, sold, and used throughout the United States, predominately in the Midwest, including Central and Southern Illinois.
In order to legally mix, load, or apply paraquat in the United States, individuals must obtain special training. According to the EPA, “the paraquat training module emphasizes the importance of handling paraquat safely because of its extreme toxicity.”
Health Risks of Paraquat
Paraquat is known to be poisonous if directly ingested. Over the last twelve years, a growing body of research has established that exposure to sprayed Paraquat can cause health issues, including Parkinson’s Disease.
In 2016, the EPA announced in a regulatory filing that they would be further exploring the possible risks associated with Paraquat. The EPA explained: “There is a large body of epidemiology data on paraquat dichloride use and Parkinson’s Disease.”
Paraquat Lawsuits
As of May 4, 2021, at least 62 individuals have alleged through lawsuits that their Parkinson’s Disease was caused by exposure to Paraquat. Some of these lawsuits allege that the companies who manufacture and sell commercialized Paraquat have known about the link between Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease for quite some time, and have failed to warn the general public or commercial applicators.
BRE Law Can Help
If you or a loved one has been exposed to Paraquat and subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Please contact our office for a free case analysis.
Attorney Contact Information:
Zach Anderson
217-429-4296
zanderson@brelaw.com
