PARAQUAT (GRAMOXONE) LAWSUIT WHITEPAPER
About Paraquat Lawsuit
Paraquat dichloride, commonly referred to as “paraquat,” is a chemical herbicide used for weed killing, only in agricultural and commercial settings, and is considered highly toxic. The herbicide also goes by the name Gramoxone (a popular end-use product), and it is one of the most used herbicides today.
There are no homeowner uses and no products registered for application in residential areas. The issue with Paraquat is that it can be dangerous or even fatal when inhaled. It is also being linked to long term development of Parkinson’s disease.
- In 2011, Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to paraquat increased the risk of Parkinson’s disease by 250%.
- In 2012, a study by the Parkinson’s Institute showed that the risks of developing Parkinson’s increased 11 times in people who worked with paraquat.
- In October 2020, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) began to review Paraquat and its toxicity to humans. They opened the review to the public for commentary, a program that re-evaluates all pesticides on a 15-year cycle. Through this program, EPA is ensuring that Paraquat’s re-registration is based on current scientific and other knowledge, including its effects on human health and the environment.
Paraquat Associated Injuries
After one ingests or inhales a large amount of paraquat, a person can develop serious injuries. The most common way of Paraquat poisoning is ingesting it by eating or drinking something that is contaminated with the chemical. It can also affect people who work with or around the chemical by breathing the chemical in copious amounts.
Symptoms of Paraquat poisoning include:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea/Bloody Diarrhea
- Confusion
- Muscle Weakness
- Seizures
- Respiratory Failure
- Difficulty Breathing
- Fast heart rate
- Coma
Days or even hours after Paraquat poisoning may show:
- Acute kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Lung Scarring
- Pulmonary Edema
- Respiratory failure
Long-term effects of Paraquat are now possibly being linked to developing Parkinson’s disease.
Paraquat Status of Litigation
Cases have been consolidated in the Southern District of Illinois before the Honorable Nancy Rosenstengel. There have been no verdicts or known settlements at this time.
Paraquat Manufacturer
Paraquat (aka Gramoxone) is manufactured by many different companies. But the manufacturers currently involved in the lawsuit are Syngenta and Growmark.