Paraquat is a highly toxic chemical herbicide that is used mainly to control weeds and grass. Medical research has established a clear link between exposure to Paraquat and a number of illnesses, including Parkinson’s Disease.
Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. is investigating injury claims of farmers, agricultural workers, groundskeepers, and other exposed to Paraquat who are suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. Our legal team is dedicated to pursuing compensation claims for victims of this toxic and dangerous product.
What Is Paraquat Herbicide?
Paraquat is a fast-acting, non-selective contact weed killer. This highly toxic herbicide is used all over the world. Due to its dangerous level of toxicity, it is only sold for commercial purposes and only individuals who have been licensed to handle it are given access to the chemical.
Paraquat has been used on crops in the United States since the 1960s for its ability to effectively clear fields of unwanted weeds and grass. Crops Paraquat is most commonly used on include:
- Soybeans
- Corn
- Cotton
- Alfalfa
- Orchards and grapes
- Pasture
Paraquat is marketed nationwide under various brand names, including Cyclone, Helmquat, Parazone, and Gramoxone. However, despite its effectiveness, the drug is highly toxic. Ingesting Paraquat can cause acute multiple organ failure that can be fatal. In fact, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “one sip can kill.”
Foreign Ban of Paraquat
More than 32 countries have banned the herbicide, including the European Union. Although the U.S. EPA has not banned the toxic chemical, its use is restricted to licensed, trained applicators.
Now several manufacturers that use this dangerous chemical in their products face lawsuits filed by people who claim exposure to Paraquat led them to develop Parkinson’s.
Exposure to Paraquat Linked to Parkinson’s Disease
The highly toxic herbicide Paraquat has been linked to many side effects, including Parkinson’s Disease. One medical study found people who used Paraquat and another pesticide called maneb had an increased risk of as much as 600 percent of developing Parkinson’s, according to a 2017 letter from Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council to the EPA.
The Agricultural Health Study, a large study funded in part by the National Institutes of Health, found an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s in farmers who used Paraquat.
Finding a Paraquat Lawsuit for Parkinson’s Disease
If you or a loved one has been exposed to Paraquat and have subsequently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, you may have the ability to file a legal claim. Monetary compensation may be available to help you and your loved ones cover the costs of medical treatments, lost wages and more.
Call Us Now!
The legal team at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. is investigating and accepting Paraquat injury cases. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease after being exposed to Paraquat, you should immediately contact our attorneys for a free case consultation. For more information, please call us at 212.385.4410.
