Paraquat is an herbicide marketed for use in the United States by Syngenta under the brand name Gramoxene. American Farmworkers and those in commercial agricultural settings are most highly affected by exposure to Paraquat. It is highly toxic to humans and animals who are exposed to the chemical. Despite Paraquat being banned in more than 60 countries, including China where Syngenta’s parent company is owned and incorporated, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) still approves the domestic use of Paraquat for licensed workers.
Paraquat can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin (dermal absorption). The most likely manner of exposure is ingestion. Skin exposure takes much longer but is advanced when the user has long term skin contact, has broken skin where the chemical comes in contact, or the Paraquat is very heavily concentrated. The severity of poisoning caused by Paraquat depends on how much a person is exposed to, the way they are exposed, how long the exposure lasts, and health conditions at the time of exposure. Paraquat causes direct damage when it comes into contact with the lining of the mouth, stomach, or intestines. Once the chemical has entered the body, it is distributed through the bloodstream where it causes widespread toxic chemical reactions to occur. The lungs, liver, and kidneys are the most vulnerable to Paraquat poisoning. Cells in the lung selectively accumulate paraquat likely by active transport. Additionally, the EPA has recognized an association between exposure to Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease.
An April 17, 2024, Federal court ruling has paused trials in the multidistrict litigation (MDL) concerning the herbicide, therefore prompting Plaintiffs’ law firms to seek alternate venues to litigate Paraquat cases. The majority of these cases are now being filed in Philadelphia’s mass tort program, which is on track to begin trials in the spring of 2025. The Philadelphia city venue currently represents the fastest path to resolution for many Plaintiffs who have been stalled by the Federal MDL.
If you or you or a loved one have developed Parkinson’s disease as a result of exposure to Paraquat, contact the Pennsylvania office of the Locks Law Firm today to schedule a free, confidential consultation and case evaluation.
https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/paraquat-dichloride
