The Paraquat Lawsuit: When the Solution Becomes the Problem

Thanks to the Paraquat lawsuit, many victims affected by the use of Paraquat, a toxic fast-acting herbicide that becomes deactivated in the soil, have been able to get financial compensation for the damages caused by its extended use.

Weed invasion has always been a problem in agriculture since these little and unwanted invaders may prevent farmers from planting and growing the most highly productive crops and, as a consequence, may affect the food production chain. As a consequence, a wide variety of herbicides and chemicals have been used all over the years in order to protect crops from weeds. Unfortunately, many users suffered from different diseases due to the implementation of Paraquat.

What is Paraquat and how does it work?

Paraquat is a widely used herbicide in agriculture that controls many weed species and can be used with most crops. It is especially valuable where intensive use of glyphosate has caused the development of glyphosate-resistant weeds. Paraquat is employed in no-till agriculture, killing grasses and weeds to minimize plowing and help prevent soil erosion.

One of the benefits of using paraquat as an herbicide is that it is rainfast within 15 to 30 minutes of spraying, allowing for rapid turnaround and planting of another crop. Most importantly, it also becomes inactive in the soil, preventing damage to subsequent crops. Results show that a paraquat-based herbicide mixed with diuron controls tough weeds more effectively than using glyphosate or glufosinate, which makes it a widely used option. Additionally, paraquat offers farmers an alternative to laborious, manual weed control, making weed management more efficient.

How does it affect human beings?

Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide that can lead to several harmful side effects in human beings. The most common health issues are:

• Breathing paraquat: breathing in paraquat can cause lung damage and lead to a disease called paraquat lung.
• Ingesting paraquat: the herbicide is also known to be dangerous if it touches the lining of the mouth, stomach, or intestines, leading to kidney, liver, and esophageal damage. If swallowed, it can cause death quickly or result in long-term complications such as scarring of the lungs.
• Touching paraquat: Paraquat can cause severe skin irritation and burns if it comes into contact with the skin. It can also be absorbed through the skin and cause systemic toxicity. Therefore, it is essential to wear protective clothing, including gloves, when handling paraquat. If paraquat comes into contact with the skin, the affected area should be washed thoroughly with soap and water and medical attention sought immediately.

Symptoms of poisoning include burns and pain in the throat, difficulty breathing, seizures, vomiting, and shock. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect exposure to paraquat.

Which are paraquat side effects?

Paraquat can cause a range of side effects if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Among the paraquat side effects, we can find lung damage, kidney failure, heart failure, coma, and even death. Paraquat exposure has also been linked to Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination. Additionally, paraquat can cause skin irritation, burns, and rashes if it comes into contact with the skin.

What can be done about it?

Individuals who have suffered harm from exposure to Paraquat may be able to take legal action against the manufacturers of the herbicide. Farmers, agricultural workers, and individuals who have been exposed to Paraquat in any other way may be able to file a claim for damages. If anyone or a loved one has been harmed by exposure to Paraquat, you should consult with a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.

Most paraquat lawsuits are filed by people who had been exposed to the chemical for a long time and now live with Parkinson’s Disease. They claim that manufacturers failed to warn them about the risks of exposure to Paraquat.

The statements are supported by scientific studies and medical evidence that have shown connections between Paraquat exposure and the development of these degenerative and irreversible conditions. For that reason, if anyone was directly or indirectly exposed to Paraquat and developed Parkinson’s or another illness, such as lung scarring, liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, esophageal scarring, and narrowing, they qualify to demand distributors and manufacturers for financial compensation.