How Are Pesticides Correlated To Parkinsons Disease
Agricultural workers who have been exposed to paraquat have a higher incidence of Parkinsons than other people. Numerous studies have been performed that connect paraquat to Parkinsons. Studies on mice have shown that the toxic pesticide kills off dopamine-producing neurons, or nerve cells, in the brain and nervous system. In humans, when these neurons die, Parkinsons develops.
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.
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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No One Definitive Cause Of Parkinsons
There are no biomarkers or objective screening tests that indicate one has Parkinsons. That said, medical experts have shown that a constellation of factors are linked to it.
Parkinsons causes are likely a blend of genetics and environmental or other unknown factors. About 10 to 20 percent of Parkinsons disease cases are linked to a genetic cause, says Ted Dawson, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Institute for Cell Engineering at Johns Hopkins. The types are either autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive .
But that leaves the majority of Parkinsons cases as idiopathic, which means unknown. We think its probably a combination of environmental exposure to toxins or pesticides and your genetic makeup, says Dawson.
Age. The biggest risk factor for developing Parkinsons is advancing age. The average age of onset is 60.
Gender. Men are more likely to develop Parkinsons disease than women.
Genetics. Individuals with a parent or sibling who is affected have approximately two times the chance of developing Parkinsons. Theres been an enormous amount of new information about genetics and new genes identified over the past 10 or 15 years that have opened up a greater understanding of the disease, says Dawson.
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.
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Who Has Filed Paraquat Lawsuits
Most people who filed paraquat lawsuits say the weed killer led them to develop Parkinsons disease, but some lawsuits include other injuries, such as kidney disease. Some of the earliest lawsuits were filed in 2016, according to Syngentas 2018 Financial Report.
In most cases, plaintiffs worked with paraquat for many years before receiving a Parkinsons disease diagnosis. Some lawsuits are a part of a class action, while others are individual injury lawsuits.
As the number of lawsuits continues to grow, plaintiffs lawyers petitioned the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to consolidate lawsuits before one federal court.
Recent Paraquat Lawsuits
Is Weed Killer Poisonous To Humans The Toxic Chemicals In Some Pesticides Have Been Linked To Parkinsons Disease Cancer And Other Serious Injuries
Weed killers containing dangerous chemicals are used extensively throughout the United States, including Texas. They are used at farms and ranches and in other commercial operations. They may be sprayed at parks, schools, and other public places to eradicate grasses and weeds. Weed killers containing hazardous ingredients are also used by people in their yards and gardens. Exposure to the toxic ingredients in weed killers can cause severe and potentially fatal illnesses and poisoning injuries.
Some commonly used weed killers have been linked to Parkinsons disease, cancer, organ damage, and other serious illnesses and injuries. When these toxins come in contact with the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes, are breathed in through the nose or mouth, or are accidentally swallowed, people get hurt. But that hasnt stopped the profit-driven corporations that make these dangerous products from continuing to produce, market, and sell them, putting profits over peoples welfare.
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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.
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Medical Marijuana As A Treatment For Parkinsons Symptoms
Parkinsons disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that causes tremors, slow movement, stiffness, and loss of balance. Because marijuana directly affects the central and peripheral nervous systems, scientists have studied the effect of marijuana as a treatment for Parkinsons symptoms.
A 2020 review of 14 different studies acknowledged evidence that medical marijuana provides a reduction in anxiety, tremors, and involuntary or erratic movements. However, the researchers concluded that there is insufficient evidence to recommend medical marijuana use as part of Parkinsons treatment.
A 2017 study with patients who used medical marijuana over three months to manage Parkinsons symptoms found that the treatment improved their symptoms and did not cause major adverse effects.
Other research has shown that medical marijuana may be able to help with some Parkinsons disease symptoms, including:
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Why Is Paraquat Restricted
In 2016, the EPA restricted the use of paraquat. The goal was to minimize accidental ingestions and reduce exposure to workers who mix, load, and apply the herbicide. Those restrictions included:
- Requiring changes to the herbicide warning labels to highlight the toxicity and risks associated with paraquat products.
- Restricting use to certified pesticide applicators only. Use by individuals working under the supervision of a certified applicator is also prohibited.
- Requiring specialized training for certified applicators to emphasize that the chemical should neither be transferred to, nor stored in, improper containers.
- Requiring new closed-system packaging to prevent transfer or removal of the pesticide except directly into proper application equipment. This protects users from spills, mixing, pouring the pesticide into other containers, or other actions that could cause exposure.
In October 2020, the EPA proposed new measures to better protect human health and the environment from the dangers of paraquat. The measures include:
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Hundreds Of Paraquat Lawsuits Claim Weed Killer Causes Parkinsons Disease
A growing number of lawsuits filed in the federal court system allege that exposure to Paraquat, a controversial weed killer that has been sprayed on farms, fields, and orchards across the United States for decades, causes Parkinsons disease, a progressive and incurable disorder that attacks nerve cells in the brain. To date, there are nearly 300 Paraquat lawsuits pending in the federal court system, where the claims have been centralized before Nancy J. Rosenstengel for coordinated pretrial proceedings as part of a multidistrict litigation . If you or someone you know was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease following exposure to Paraquat as a commercial agricultural worker or as a result of herbicide drift, contact us today to find out if you are eligible to file a Paraquat lawsuit for compensation.
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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 To Do If Youre Affected
If you or a loved one have used Roundup or were exposed to Roundups dangerous ingredient, glyphosate, and later developed Parkinsons disease, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact a personal injury attorney in your area who has experience in chemical exposure or herbicide cases. They can help review your situation and advise to whether you could win back some damages.
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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:
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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This Pesticide Is Prohibited In Britain Why Is It Still Being Exported
Paraquat, one of many pesticides that cant be used in Europe but is sold in the United States and elsewhere, has been linked to Parkinsons disease in a growing body of research.
A Syngenta plant in Huddersfield, England, that produces a weed killer exported for sale.Credit…Phil Hatcher-Moore for The New York Times
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By Danny Hakim
HUDDERSFIELD, England The factory here, set amid a brick campus in a green and hilly industrial town, recently celebrated its centennial.
It produces paraquat, one of the worlds most enduring weed killers but not one that can be purchased in this part of northern England, in the rest of Britain or across the Channel in the rest of the European Union.
So it will be sent to the United States, or another part of the globe that still allows paraquat to be sprayed on weeds.
Paraquat has long been controversial because of its use in suicides in many parts of the world, since drinking one sip can be lethal. But now regulators in the United States are grappling with a wave of research linking paraquat to a less immediately apparent effect Parkinsons disease.
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How Do We Know That Paraquat Can Increase The Risk Of Developing Parkinsons Disease
Extensive scientific research over the last twenty years has demonstrated a link between Parkinsons disease and people who were exposed to Paraquat. In fact, Paraquat use has long been restricted to certified applicators due to concerns based on this research.
In the last ten years, research on Parkinsons disease has intensified, with two particularly convincing studies involving humans: one by the National Institutes of Health , and one Italian meta-analysis. Both studies provide persuasive evidence for an increased risk of Parkinsons Disease in farmers and in people who live near where Paraquat is used.
Freya Kamel, a scientist within an epidemiology branch of the NIH, has said that research on the link between paraquat and Parkinsons disease is about as persuasive as these things can get.
How Does Medical Marijuana Affect The Body
Marijuana affects the body through neurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers of the nervous system.
Various factors can stimulate neurotransmitter activity, initiating a set of physiological responses. In cannabis, it is mainly THC or CBD binding to endocannabinoid receptors that produce new physiological reactions in the body.
The endocannabinoid system is one of the most important neurotransmitter systems in the body. It utilizes cannabinoid receptors located throughout the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system . Cannabis works to turn on endocannabinoid neurotransmitters through activity at these receptors.
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