Other Health Risks Associated With Use Of Paraquat
The link between paraquat and Parkinsons Disease is not the only thing that agricultural workers should be concerned about. Use of the herbicide can also result in poisoning via ingestion, inhalation, and skin exposure.
Licensed applicators are at risk of poisoning, which causes toxicity throughout the body, primarily in the lungs, liver, and kidneys. Long-term health problems associated with paraquat dichloride poisoning include lung scarring, kidney failure, heart failure, and scarring of the esophagus.
What Should You Do If You Have Been Affected
If you or your loved one have been exposed to Roundup and later developed cancer or Parkinsons disease, you may be entitled to compensation.
You can learn more about your legal rights by speaking with a qualified attorney. An experienced attorney can help you understand the complex legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
What Do We Know About Parkinsons Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a disabling neurodegenerative disorder with a human onset in mid to later years in life. Effects to the motor system include tremors in the arms and legs, impaired coordination and balance, slow movements, and rigidity of the body and limbs. Such effects are attributed to the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the brain.
In the realm of neurodegenerative diseases, Parkinsons disease is the second most common. The disease is chronic and progressive, with only partial relief of symptoms from todays medical therapies. As the world is experiencing an increasingly aging population, we have seen a greater prevalence of Parkinsons disease, particularly in relatively newer developed countries, like India and China.
Genetic factors play a causal role in a small percentage of Parkinsons disease cases, but the main cause of Parkinsons disease has remained a mystery for years. In relatively recent years, an increasing number of scientific studies have connected Parkinsons disease to environmental exposures, such as pesticides.
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Consulting With A Lawyer Has Its Benefits
An attorney can seek to maximize your compensation so that you have what you need to ensure you have what you need to manage and recover from your illness. They can investigate your claims and collect supporting evidence as they build your case. They also can negotiate a settlement agreement with the manufacturers of Roundup and represent you at trial if one cannot be reached.
A lawyer or law firm working on Roundup litigation can also offer the following:
- Communication: The cornerstone of an attorney and client relationship is communication. Your attorney should keep you updated on any new developments or changes that are happening with your case. They also should take time to explain all laws that apply to your lawsuit and answer your questions and concerns.
- No attorneys fees unless a favorable outcome is achieved: Many personal injury attorneys do not charge any fees unless and until you receive your money in a settlement agreement or a court-ordered award.
- Free consultation: All potential clients are offered a free one-on-one case review. During this meeting, a RoundUp lawsuit lawyer or law firms team can review your circumstances and determine if you have a case. They can walk you through the details and answer any questions you have during this time.
What Other Illnesses Does Roundup Cause
What Other Illnesses Does Roundup Cause?
The journal Interdisciplinary Toxicology lists some of the ailments that have been associated in some way with the ingredient glyphosate in Roundup.
Those ailments include:
- Infertility
- Obesity
Cancer is considered to be one of the most dangerous results of glyphosate exposure and could eventually result in an affected persons death. However, some of the aforementioned ailments could also prove fatal if not properly managed. Even if these conditions are not fatal, they may significantly decrease your quality of life and lead to other serious health conditions.
Conditions such as Alzheimers disease and Parkinsons disease may be particularly concerning. Mayo Clinic explains how Alzheimers disease causes brain cells to waste away in a degenerative manner. Though certain treatments may slow the rate of decline caused by Alzheimers disease, the condition generally worsens until the patient dies.
Additionally, the National Institute on Aging explains that Parkinsons disease can be similarly devastating. Symptoms may include uncontrollable shaking, muscle stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination, which become worse over time.
The risk posed by Roundup in the development of these conditions may show just how serious exposure to glyphosate may be.
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Glyphosate : Lawsuits Claiming Herbicide Paraquat Causes Parkinson’s Move Forward
Lawyers and activists who allege that the weed killer glyphosate causes cancer have moved on to a second target: another herbicide called paraquat. Claiming this chemical can cause Parkinson’s Disease, these courtroom crusaders are now suing the herbicide’s manufacturers in pursuit of another payday. The science is not on their side.
For the better part of six years, anti-GMO groups circled the wagons around a single message: the weed killer Roundup causes cancer, specifically Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma . Their efforts culminated in roughly 100,000 lawsuits against Bayer. The biotech giant lost the first three cases that went to trial. Though the damages were substantially reduced in each instance, the company is still on the hook for millions of dollars and is trying to settle the remaining cases.
With the Roundup gravy train potentially running out of steam, the lawyers and activists are moving on to a new target, the herbicide paraquat. There are 157 cases against Syngenta and Chevron pending in state and federal courts. The suits allege that these companies failed to warn their customers that paraquat exposure could cause Parkinson’s Disease , a nervous system disorder whose symptoms grow progressively more severe over time.
A familiar pattern
The opposition to glyphosate was clearly the first part of a long-term campaign against synthetic pesticides, as anti-GMO activist Gary Ruskin :
Where things stand
What Are The Signs Of Paraquat Poisoning
When youve been exposed to a toxic level of paraquat, symptoms may develop quickly. Soon after exposure, you may experience the following:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea that may be bloody
- Vomiting
Even just ingesting small amounts of paraquat will cause severe symptoms within several hours to several days. These symptoms include the following:
- Muscle weakness
- Respiratory failure and difficulty of breathing
- Coma
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Risk Of Paraquat Poisoning
This report revealed scientific studies finding that “paraquat increases the likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease.” In addition, the study found a correlation between the toxic chemical and the increased risk of paraquat poisoning and oxidative stress.
In other research by the same team, farmworkers had an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease if exposed to toxic paraquat herbicides for five or more years. This toxic herbicide is widely used and often causes harmful side effects on those exposed to it. Those with Parkinson’s disease should avoid exposure at all costs.
A study conducted in New York as part of the Agricultural Health Study examined whether or not exposure to pesticides, including Paraquat, was connected to Parkinson’s disease.
The study concluded that although there was an association between using the chemical and contracting Parkinson’s disease, other factors might be contributing to this link.
However, that evidence was insufficient to implicate the dangerous chemical as the cause of Parkinson’s disease in humans.
More research is necessary to determine why farmers who use this herbicide are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease. Still, we know that the link exists due to animal and human studies.
This link between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease should draw serious attention. In addition, farmers should consider using other pesticides that don’t have such harmful side effects.
What Is The Paraquat Settlement
Were you or a close relative exposed to this highly toxic substance? If so, you can file a paraquat lawsuit against the company to get compensation for lost wages and medical bills. The process is called a paraquat lawsuit settlement.
For instance, Syngenta is a company that makes hazardous chemicals and is being held liable in many paraquat lawsuits.
The paraquat lawyers hold the company accountable because it:
- Should have known due to extensive testing before product release or knew about the toxic effects of Paraquat exposure and its link with Parkinson’s
- Failed to warn the chemical users about the health consequences of the herbicide use
- Failed to protect users from paraquat exposure by taking responsible steps
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Roundup Lawsuit Settlement Update
Roundup lawsuit settlement amounts have continued to vary based on the circumstances of each case. The World Health Organizations International Agency for Research claimed in 2015 that glyphosate, a chemical found in Roundup weed killer, is probable to contain carcinogens. After obtaining this information, Bayer, which is Roundups manufacturer, has kept their product on the shelves and need to be held legally accountable.
Personal injury attorneys who handle Roundup lawsuits have helped customers reach fair settlements in the past. If you have suffered from non-Hodgkins lymphoma or other related cancers due to Roundup exposure, an attorney can represent you in a lawsuit.
Consider A Roundup Lawyer
If you believe that you developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or any other serious medical condition as a direct result of your exposure to Roundup or any other chemical that contained glyphosate, consider visiting with our legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. Contact us today by calling . There are several ways you may have the ability to receive compensation for your injuries related to the use of Roundup. We can help you understand how a Roundup or glyphosate lawyer can help you determine your next steps.
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Parksinons Disease Injury Cases& camp Lejeune
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry , people exposed occupationally or environmentally to the chemicals detected in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune may be at an increased risk of developing Parkinsons disease.
For example, ASTDR explained that TCE is a mitochondrial neurotoxin in animal studies and mitochondrial dysfunctions in substantia nigra dopamine neurons is consistent with human pathological staging of Parkinsons.
Furthermore, a Committee from the Institute of Medicine who was asked by the Veterans Administration to review certain medical conditions, concluded that consumption of contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune may be linked to neurobehavioral effects such as Parkinsons:
he committee finds that TCE and similar solvents may have potential etiologic relevance in the development of Parkinsons disease. The committee concludes that Parkinsons disease is a neurobehavioral effect that may have resulted from the consumption of the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. This conclusion is based on the positive trends of increased risks from occupational and drinking water exposures reported by Goldman et al. , NRC , and Bove et al. .
Committee on the Review of Clinical Guidance for the Care of Health Conditions Identified by the Camp Lejeune Legislation Board on the Health of Select Populations Institute of Medicine.Washington : National Academies Press 2015 Mar 26.
How Much Roundup Is Dangerous
How Much Roundup Is Dangerous?
There is no definitive answer regarding what constitutes a dangerous amount of Roundup.
The danger that you face by using the product depends on:
- What you consider dangerous to be
- The type of exposure you experience
- Your personal biological reaction to glyphosate exposure
The National Pesticide Information Center notes that even seemingly mild exposure, such as getting glyphosate on your skin, could produce a negative reaction. From this perspective, you may consider even a small amount of Roundup to be potentially dangerous.
The amount of glyphosate that you are exposed to could affect the health consequences that you suffer. For example, breathing in a minor amount of Roundup may produce relatively mild symptoms, while swallowing a substantial amount of Roundup could cause serious burns and be a reason for you to seek emergency medical attention.
Previously-cited studies suggest that prolonged exposure to glyphosate, even if you are not swallowing it, may contribute to a higher risk of developing certain cancers. Some plaintiffs who have won lawsuits have been exposed to significant amounts of Roundup over a long period of time. Nevertheless, this may not necessarily be a requirement for you to obtain compensation for glyphosate-related ailments.
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What Causes Parkinsons Disease
Some of the risk-factors for Parkinsons disease include toxic chemical exposures, herbicides, pesticides, heavy metal, and head injuries. Genetics are a primary factor in only 10% of Parkinsons cases, which means that the other 90% of cases were probably caused by things that a person was exposed to in their environment during their lifetime.
About The Paraquat Lawsuits
Paraquat is an industrial-strength herbicide that has been around since the 1960s. Chevron started selling Paraquat in the U.S. in 1964.
This chemical is highly toxic. A teaspoon will kill you. This has led most European countries to ban it outright. In the United States, however, Paraquat is not banned and is widely utilized by large commercial farmers.
Evidence has emerged that prolonged Paraquat exposure can lead to early-onset Parkinsons disease. Studies have found that agricultural workers who are exposed to Paraquat over long periods have a significantly higher rate of developing Parkinsons disease. People who live near farms where Paraquat is applied also showed increased rates of Parkinsons disease.
Paraquat is manufactured by Syngenta, a Swiss agrochemical company. There is evidence indicating that Syngenta was aware of the causal link between paraquat and Parkinsons for years but deliberately concealed it. Now farm workers exposed to Paraquat and subsequently diagnosed with Parkinsons are filing product liability lawsuits against Syngenta and its U.S. distributors.
Hundreds of paraquat Parkinsons lawsuits have been filed and a new paraquat MDL has been created in the Southern District of Illinois for consolidated handling of the paraquat claims. The Paraquat lawsuit is still in its early stages and is expected to grow rapidly as hundreds and thousands of additional cases get filed.
- New calls to ban Paraquat in the UK over Parkinsons disease risk
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How Is It Used On Crops
Paraquat kills green plant tissue on contact. Its highly effective as an herbicide, removing unwanted weeds and grasses from plots of land. Although not always the case, now only trained, licensed professionals may apply paraquat. Its strictly for commercial use its not available to homeowners.
To date, paraquat has been banned by 32 countries, including China and the European Union. However, according to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research, paraquat usage has never been higher in the United States.
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Get The Whitley Advantage In Your Paraquat Claim
Attorneys at the Whitley Law Firm are distinguished by more than 80 years of combined experience representing injured people. We care deeply about our clients and work hard on their behalf to pursue the best possible outcome in each case.
Product liability is a complex area of law. Not every law firm has the experience, resources, and knowledge to represent consumers effectively when they have been injured by a defective product. The Whitley Law Firm has the ability and the willingness to take on large companies to get the compensation our clients deserve.
If you or a loved one suffered paraquat exposure and was later diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, call the Whitley Law Firm at today for service in Raleigh, Kinston, New Bern, or elsewhere in North Carolina. It wont cost anything to see if we can help.
Paraquat Lawsuit Numbers Are Growing Throughout The United States
One of the first cases involving the Paraquat was filed in St. Clair County, Illinois. The lawsuit claims that the manufacturers failed to warn them of the dangers of paraquat dichloride as specified by the toxic pesticides act.
Since then, similar civil suits have been filed in various jurisdictions alleging Paraquat exposure caused Parkinson’s Disease.
Due to the similar fact patterns involving the same defendants and similar injuries, the lawsuits have been consolidated into a Multi-District Litigation program in Federal Court.
On June 7, 2021, the United States Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation ordered all civil suits filed in Federal Court to be consolidated into the Southern District of Southern Illinois
Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel will oversee existing and future product liability lawsuits as they will be centralized for discovery purposes, but cases will be tried individually.
While these cases remain in the early phases of litigation, our Paraquat attorneys will monitor the cases’ progress and update this web page as Judge Rosenstengel makes substantive rulings.
As the number of paraquat lawsuits continues to grow, we will report on settlements and jury verdicts.
Paraquat dichloride is a highly toxic weed-killing herbicide for commercial use only. Since farmers come in close contact with this herbicide, they’re most vulnerable. Apart from that, people living near industrial farms also suffer from paraquat exposure to toxic herbicides.
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