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Paraquat lawsuit attorney Maryland

Paraquat Lawsuit Attorney | Lawyers for Parkinson’s Disease Victims

Summary

Paraquat, also known as Gramoxone, has been known to be a toxic herbicide by scientists for a long time. Paraquat is so toxic, in fact, that a single sip of the herbicide can kill an adult. But in recent years, recently developed evidence has shown that repeated exposure to paraquat in low doses may be causally connected to developing Parkinson’s disease. According to one study, exposure to paraquat increases the risk of Parkinson’s by 150 percent.

More than 60 countries have prohibited the use of paraquat. Despite increasing health concerns and legal challenges related to the herbicide’s development of Parkinson’s disease, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made minimal efforts to restrict its use.

Agricultural workers and farmers continue to face risks of exposure due to the increased use of paraquat in the U.S. Many have already filed lawsuits claiming that they developed Parkinson’s disease as a result of exposure to Paraquat and that Paraquat manufacturer Syngenta failed to warn about this serious risk.

FAQ

For What and How is Paraquat Most Commonly Used?

Paraquat is widely used by farmers in crop production, including corn, soy, cotton, peanuts, wheat, almonds, strawberries, grapes, sweet potatoes, and others. The effectiveness that paraquat has on “superweeds” that have developed a resistance to glyphosate has caused the use of the toxic herbicide to double over the past decade. This usage can only be expected to continue to increase as paraquat can also be used for the desiccation of crops, such as cotton, prior to harvest. In total, farmers apply more than 10 million pounds of paraquat each year.

Because of the dangerous toxicity levels, the EPA classifies paraquat as a “restricted use pesticide.” As a consequence, paraquat products may only be used by certified applicators who have undergone EPA-approved training There are no homeowner uses for paraquat and the herbicide may not be applied in residential areas or around schools, parks, golf courses, or playgrounds.

Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease?

Scientific research has established that those who use paraquat are twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease in the future. In addition, the wind can carry the airborne chemical to neighboring areas. Therefore, those who live in an area where paraquat is used are also at risk; that risk is not limited solely to those who directly utilize the product. Despite the many scientific studies that have proven the paraquat’s danger to people’s health,  the company responsible for the pesticide refused to acknowledge the potential risks and exposed thousands to a harmful chemical for over a decade.

Is There a Scientific Link Between Parkinson’s Disease and Paraquat?

Numerous scientific studies have linked paraquat to Parkinson’s. A major study performed in 2011 found that U.S. farmers who used paraquat were twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease as those who didn’t use the chemical. Further research has found that constant exposure over long periods increases the likelihood of developing Parkinson’s. Data published by Louisiana State University reveals that a person’s proximity to cropland where paraquat is applied correlates with the risk of developing Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s is believed by scientists to be caused by a deficit of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Studies have revealed that paraquat can kill the brain’s dopamine-producing nerve cells. Inhaling paraquat, which may occur when workers are exposed to aerosolized droplets during crop spraying, gives it a direct pathway to the brain, according to researchers at the University of Rochester. However, paraquat could also end up in the brain after ingestion or skin exposure. The CDC confirms that once paraquat enters the body, it is distributed throughout the whole body.

Who is at Greatest Risk of Parkinson’s Disease From Exposure to Paraquat?

Generally, farmers and others who operate in the agricultural field and who work directly with and around paraquat are at the greatest risk of being exposed to paraquat. Exposure is most likely to occur in the following ways:

  • Utilizing, maintaining or working on equipment, tanks and other devices used to spray Paraquat
  • Loading or mixing Paraquat
  • Spraying Paraquat
  • Working in the field where Paraquat may have been utilized or sprayed

In addition, people living around agricultural areas are also at risk of exposure as evidence suggests that paraquat can drift from the application site to nearby communities.  Paraquat may also contaminate ground or well water and fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains that are sold to the public.

Is There Currently Paraquat Litigation?

Unfortunately, many individuals have developed Parkinson’s disease as a result of paraquat exposure. The widespread use of the substance is especially unsettling. Many farmers heavily rely on paraquat without knowledge of its harmful effects. If you or a loved one were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease due to pesticide exposure, Dubo Law can help you secure the compensation you may be entitled to.

Can I File a Paraquat Lawsuit?

Individuals across the country have filed lawsuits alleging that Syngenta’s herbicide paraquat is the reason for their development of Parkinson’s disease. If you suffer from Parkinson’s after exposure to Paraquat, you may be able to file a lawsuit.  Contact Dubo Law at (443) 275- 6345 to assist you with your lawsuit.

What Does the Paraquat Settlement Entail?

Syngenta failed to disclose the known risks of their product to the public.  They allowed thousands of agricultural workers to be exposed without informing them of the harmful side effects. Those who suffer from Parkinson’s require constant treatment to increase, or in some instances even maintain their quality of life, which is a significant expense to endure without proper compensation. However, by holding Syngenta liable for their negligence, you can recover the medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses or hardships.

Is There Paraquat in Roundup?

While Roundup does contain dangerous chemicals, paraquat is not an active ingredient. Roundup has become less effective due to crops’ resistance against glyphosate, Roundup’s active ingredient.  As a result, the use of Paraquat has increased in the agricultural industry.

Contact Us for Your Free Case Review!

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9515 Deereco Rd, Suite 704
Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093

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(443) 275-6345

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