How Can You Be Exposed To Paraquat
You can encounter paraquat hazards in one of the following ways:
- Inhalation: Paraquat exposure is dangerous. Inhaling hazardous herbicides can damage the lungs. Inhalation occurs when you breathe in the aerosolized chemical or smoke a plant tainted with paraquat. Traces of paraquat have been found in marijuana in the US.
- Eating or Drinking: The toxic herbicide easily mixes into drinks and foods, making consumption through ingestion or drinking deadly. A strong odor, dye, and vomiting agents are added to paraquat in the US to minimize the risk of exposure through accidental ingestion.
- Skin Contact: If paraquat comes into direct contact with skin, it can cause harm, especially if the paraquat exposure has been ongoing for a long time. Moreover, the effect of exposure to paraquat is higher if there’s a rash or open wound upon contact.
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Immediate Signs And Symptoms Of Paraquat Exposure
Paraquat poisoning can happen easily, and there is no antidote. In fact, an individual may suffer effects if they:
- Work with paraquat, by mixing or applying it
- Get paraquat on their skin
- Swallow paraquat
- Breathe in paraquat
- Touch a plant that has been sprayed with it
The effects can be catastrophic. If an individual swallows paraquat, they will likely feel pain and swelling in the mouth and throat immediately. Then, they may experience stomach pains, dehydration, diarrhea, low blood pressure, and more. Over time, they may also experience heart injuries, pulmonary edemas, respiratory failure, and sometimes even death.
Should exposure happen in small doses, an individual may develop heart, kidney, or liver failure. While showing these symptoms doesnt necessarily mean an individual has been exposed to paraquat, they may confirm that an exposure has indeed occurred.
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Specific Pesticides And Their Link To Pd
The evidence that pesticide use is associated with an increased risk in PD, begs the question are there specific pesticides that are most concerning? When data is collected on this topic in large populations, often the participants in the study are unaware of which specific pesticide exposures they have had. This makes it difficult to determine which pesticides to avoid.
Some studies however were able to investigate the risks of specific chemicals. A recent review summarized the current state of knowledge on this topic. The chemical with the most data linking it to an increased PD risk is paraquat, with exposure associated with a 2-3 fold increased PD risk over the general population.
One particularly comprehensive study investigated exposure to 31 pesticides and their association with PD risk. From that data emerged paraquat and rotenone as the two most concerning pesticides.
- Paraquats mechanism of action is the production of reactive oxygen species, intracellular molecules that cause oxidative stress and damage cells.
- Rotenones mechanism of action is disruption of the mitochondria, the component of the cell that creates energy for cell survival.
Interestingly, both mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are common themes in our general understanding of what causes death of nerve cells in PD.
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You may be able to get payment for medical bills and other costs. Call us today at 973-8888 or toll-free 1 444-5000 to arrange a free consultation. When billion-dollar chemical companies make herbicides that hurt innocent people, we are not afraid to stand up and help our clients get the money they need to move on with their lives. The sooner you call, the sooner we can get started on your case, so dont delay.
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Research On Paraquat And Parkinsons Disease
There are a number of studies that show that exposure to Paraquat can increase the risk for a person developing Parkinsons disease.
A study by the University of Guelph found that low-level exposure to the pesticides disrupts cells in a way that mimics the effects of mutations known to cause Parkinsons disease.
People exposed to these chemicals are at about a 250-percent higher risk of developing Parkinsons disease than the rest of the population.
-Paraquat researcher Scott Ryan
Another study published in 2017 by the National Institute of Health found that Paraquats chemical structure was very similar to the active metabolite of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in the body. MPTP is a common neurotoxicant that can cause neurodegeneration.
In the results of the study, researchers found that when mice were exposed to certain levels of MPTP and Paraquat, they experienced some level of neurodegeneration. This finding, among others, has led researchers to believe that there may be a link between Paraquat exposure and the onset of Parkinsons disease.
Sale And Manufacture Of Paraquat
Syngenta and Chevron Chemical are the main manufacturers of Paraquat, and the product was available for sale in the U.S. as early as 1964. The product has been sold under various trade names, including but not limited to:
U.S. usage of Paraquat has more than doubled from 2011 to 2017 . People who work with Paraquat or live near areas where it is used heavily remain most at risk of exposure specifically licensed applicators such as farmers or other agricultural workers, farmworkers, farm residents, and farm neighbors.
More Paraquat is used in California than any other state, with the highest concentration of usage being in the Central Valley, Central Coast, and Greater Sacramento regions.
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Parkinsons Disease Stages And Symptoms
Parkinsons disease, a neurodegenerative brain disorder, has no cure. In fact, the condition worsens over time, as brain cells slowly die. As the disease progresses in five stages, those suffering from the disease may experience the following symptoms.
Make no mistakeParkinsons is a dilapidating disease. Moreover, it slowly takes away a persons independence, and completely changes their way of life. This is extremely difficult on them and their loved ones. So, if you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, or are showing symptoms of Parkinsons after a Paraquat exposure, connect with a Paraquat lawyer.
How Does Paraquat Cause Parkinsons Disease
The exact cause of Parkinsons disease is not known, but the disease is highly correlated with industrialization. Air pollution, metal production, industrial chemicals, and synthetic pesticides are all linked to Parkinsons. From 1990 to 2015, the number of people living with the disease more than doubled from 2.6 million to 6.3 million. The number is expected to double again to nearly 13 million by 2040.
A book published in 2020 calls Parkinsons a man-made pandemic. The that Over the last 25 years, the prevalence rates for Parkinsons disease, adjusted for age, increased by 22 percent for the world, by 30 percent for India, and by 116 percent for China. Men, who are more likely to work in industries that expose them to products like pesticides, solvents, and degreasing agents, have a 40 percent greater risk than women of developing Parkinsons disease.
Patients with Parkinsons disease experience a loss of neurons in the brain that produce the chemical messenger dopamine. It is believed that certain chemicals, including paraquat, increase production of oxidizing agents that damage dopamine neurons. Evidence suggests some people have a genetic disposition that makes it more likely paraquat exposure will lead to them developing Parkinsons disease.
Exposed to paraquat? Diagnosed with Parkinsons disease? You may qualify for a paraquat lawsuit. Contact us to learn your legal rights.
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Research Shows Link Between Paraquat And Parkinsons Disease
Over the last decade, multiple studies have shown that exposure to Paraquat significantly increases the risk of developing Parkinsons disease.
As early as 2009, a scientific study in The American Journal of Epidemiology reported that if Paraquat was sprayed within 550 yards of a home, the chances of residents developing Parkinsons disease increased by an astounding 75 percent.
Since that early study, multiple reports have reported similar findings. In 2011, a National Institute of Health study found that agricultural workers were 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with Parkinsons disease if they used and were exposed to Paraquat. Even more concerning, a study published the following year by the Genetic Modification Association found that some individuals that had particular genetic modifications were 11 times more likely to be diagnosed with Parkinsons disease if they were exposed to Paraquat.
What is even more telling is that research has shown that the toxic herbicide produces a reaction in the body that is linked to Parkinsons disease. Scientists found that in individuals who were exposed to Paraquat, the chemical killed some of their cells through oxidative stress, a reaction that is also found in patients with Parkinsons disease.
These alarming findings have spurred countries around the world to ban the use of Paraquat. But in America, the dangerous herbicide is still used to this day by agricultural workers.
Paraquat Weed Killer And Parkinsons Disease
Are you suffering from Parkinsons disease due to paraquat exposure? Are you, or a loved one, coping with harsh symptoms that could have been avoided? If so, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical expenses, suffering, and other related costs. You may qualify to participate in a paraquat lawsuit, so, reach out to Patterson Legal Group for a FREE consultation today.
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Rural Living And An Increased Risk Of Pd
In the 1980s, studies were conducted that showed that early-age exposure to a rural environment as well as exposure to well water were associated with development of PD later in life. Subsequently, multiple additional studies looked at these questions. The studies are mixed in their conclusions, but overall the evidence supports associations between increased PD risk with each of the following:
- farming as an occupation,
- well water drinking, and
- living in a rural area.
Of course, all these categories are inter-related, since farmers live on farms in rural areas, are exposed to farm animals, are more likely than urban dwellers to drink well water and use pesticides. The studies were attempting to tease out why rural environments increased the risk of PD. Do only those who actually farm have an increased risk or is it enough to live on a farm? Is pesticide exposure the reason for the increased risk? Well water exposure? Exposure to farm animals? Or is it another element of rural life?
In the end, epidemiologic data supports the assertion that each of these elements increases the risk of PD. Of note, all of the increased risks in these studies are small on the order of 1.5-2 times the risk of the general population.
Paraquat Exposure And Parkinsons Disease
According to the American Parkinson Disease Association, studies have linked an increased risk of Parkinsons disease in people who were exposed to a rural environment at an early age including:
- People exposed to farm animals
- People who live on farms
- People with known exposure to pesticides
- People who drink well water
- People who live in a rural area
These studies go on to suggest that the uniting factor in these occurrences of Parkinsons disease with people living in rural areas can be traced to exposure to pesticides. In a study of these pesticides, Paraquat was shown to have one of the strongest associations with causing the development of known mechanisms linked to the pathology of Parkinsons disease.
To see if you qualify for a Paraquat lawsuit, call 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE consultation and claim investigation.
We are committed to seeking justice for those whose Parkinsons disease was potentially caused by Paraquat.
If you or a loved one have been exposed to Paraquat and developed Parkinsons disease, call 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE review of your case to see if you may qualify for a Paraquat lawsuit.
This settlement changed me and my familys lives.
Linda B., Riddle & Brantley client
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Did Paraquat Cause Your Parkinsons Disease
If you were exposed to Paraquat and later developed Parkinsons disease, you may be entitled to compensation.
Syngenta and other manufacturers of Paraquat-based weed killers have experienced legal teams on their side to do everything they can to avoid liability for potentially dangerous products like Paraquat.
You deserve to have an experienced legal team on your side, too.
Who is at Risk for Paraquat Exposure?
Those at increased risk of exposure to Paraquat and potential Parkinsons disease include:
- Loaders, mixers, and handlers of Paraquat
- Pesticide / herbicide applicators, including:
- Applicators using handled or backpack sprayers
- Applicators driving tractors equipped to spray pesticides and herbicides
- Agricultural pilots
The Fight To Ban Paraquat
Every 15 years, the EPA reviews all herbicides to ensure they comply with federal safety standards. In 2017, the agency began its review of paraquat and has until October 2022 to decide on its future use. In July 2017, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research used this opportunity to inform the EPA about the dangers of the herbicide and its link to Parkinsons.
In February 2019, the foundation submitted a petition to the environmental agency with more than 100,000 signatures calling for a ban on paraquat because of the dangers the toxic chemical poses to humans and the environment. That petition was important because it not only communicated to the EPA the Parkinsons communitys concerns, it also showed Congress that there is support across the U.S. for legislation like this, the organization said.
The petition prompted U.S. Rep. Nydia Velasquez to introduce the Protect Against Paraquat Act of 2019, seeking to eliminate its use in the U.S. The Protect Against Paraquat Act was referred to the House Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research on August 9th, 2019, where it continues to await review.
Also, in 2019, the EPA conducted a human health risk assessment. Despite being a chemical so dangerous that regulations require those working with it to wear protective gear to avoid exposure, the agency determined that paraquat posed no dietary risks when used according to the labels instructions.
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Scientific Studies Linking Paraquat To Parkinsons Disease
The acute toxic effects of the herbicide paraquat are not disputed. EPA states unequivocally that, One Sip Can Kill. Deaths have occurred from accidental and intentional ingestion. In South Korea, parqauat is commonly used to commit suicide. Paraquat poisoning can also lead to heart, kidney, and liver failure, lung scarring, respiratory failure, seizures, and other severe side effects.
More is being learned about the effects of chronic exposure to paraquat in relatively low doses, such as the amounts experienced by agriculture workers and those who eat food with paraquat residue.
There is strong scientific evidence linking paraquat to Parkinsons disease. Research published in 2011 known as the Farming and Movement Evaluation study found that people who use paraquat are two and a half times, or 250% more likely to develop Parkinsons.
Another study found that people exposed to paraquat as a teen or young adult had an increased risk of Parkinsons of 200 to 600 percent, depending on how many years they were exposed.
Who Is At Risk For Paraquat Exposure
Since paraquat is highly restricted, most people at risk for exposure are those who apply, mix, or load the weed killer, including:
- Farmers and farmworkers
- Chemical mixers
In 1997, the EPA confirmed that the primary route of exposure to paraquat occurred during the weed killers preparation, application, and post-application. To minimize exposure risk, regulations require those who work with the highly toxic chemical to use chemical-resistant gloves made of barrier laminate, butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, neoprene rubber, natural rubber, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride , or Viton. All must be equal to or greater than 14 mils. Applicators also must use respiratory protection and safety glasses that include splash guards. Mixers and loaders must add a full-face shield and a chemical-resistant apron.
Paraquat isnt available for household use, but the EPA also said that individuals who live near farms using paraquat risk exposure to the weed killer. In 2009, a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology backed up this finding, revealing that people who lived within 500 meters of paraquat use had a 75% increased risk of developing Parkinsons disease.
Coincidentally, the American Parkinson Disease Association reported that individuals who met any of the following criteria were more likely to develop Parkinsons:
- Farming as an occupation
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Learn More Aboutparaquat Lawsuits
Exposure to the toxic herbicide Paraquat has been linked to a risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Johnson, of Los Angeles, indicates in her lawsuit that she was exposed to Paraquat from about 2011 to 2019, when she repeatedly worked with the herbicide. While mixing, handling and spraying, she indicates that droplets were inhaled, ingested or landed on her skin..
After repeated and consistent Paraquat exposure, Plaintiff began suffering neurological injuries and doctors subsequently diagnosed Plaintiff with Parkinsons disease, the lawsuit states. Paraquat entered Plaintiffs bloodstream, attacked Plaintiffs nervous system, and caused Plaintiff to develop Parkinsons disease.
Johnson said neither she nor her doctors discovered the connection between Paraquat and her Parkinsons disease diagnosis.
Defendants took active steps to conceal this harmful side effect of Paraquat, Johnson says in her complaint. Syngentas statements proclaiming the safety of Paraquat and disregarding its dangers were designed to mislead the agricultural community and the public at large including Plaintiff.