Seeking Justice for Parkinson’s Disease Associated with Paraquat Exposure

Lawsuits surrounding Paraquat aim to secure damages for individuals who have developed Parkinson’s disease linked to prolonged exposure to the herbicide.

What Is Paraquat?

Paraquat is a widely used herbicide, available since 1962, primarily for eliminating weeds and as a post-harvest desiccant. Only those who complete an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved training program can mix, use, or load Paraquat. Its use is heavily restricted due to its high toxicity and potential for misuse.

According to the CDC, Paraquat is more dangerous than many comparable herbicides, with the potential for poisoning through ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption. Exposure to it is associated with severe health concerns, including birth defects, cancer, and Parkinson’s disease.

Commonly applied to plant leaves, Paraquat kills weeds, is sprayed before planting crops, and has even been used for eradicating marijuana plants in the U.S. and Mexico.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that predominantly affects individuals in middle or later stages of life. It compromises motor functions and can cause symptoms such as tremors, muscle rigidity, impaired coordination, and slow movements. While available medical therapies can provide symptomatic relief, there is no permanent cure for the condition as it progresses over time.

If you or a loved one have had long-term exposure to Paraquat and are presenting early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, consider reaching out to the legal experts at Youngstown Criminal Law Group for assistance. Our experienced Cadiz criminal lawyer can guide you through the claims process.

Key Insights About the Paraquat Lawsuits

Links Between Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease

An experiment conducted in Southern California in the 1980s revealed that MPTP, a heroin contaminant with a chemical structure resembling Paraquat, could result in neurological damage by destroying dopamine neurons, a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease.

Further exposure risks became apparent in a 1997 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report, which revealed that mixing, loading, and applying Paraquat caused significant exposure not only for handlers but also for residents living near farms.

Research and Studies Supporting Claims

• 2009 American Journal of Epidemiology

 The risk of developing Parkinson’s disease increases for individuals living within 1,600 feet of areas where Paraquat is sprayed.

• 2014 Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology

 Research highlighted the role of environmental toxins in causing Parkinson’s disease and identified pesticide applicators exposed to Paraquat as being twice as likely to develop the condition compared to the general population.

• 2016 EPA Announcement

 The EPA initiated a re-evaluation of Paraquat, investigating its connection to Parkinson’s disease.

Advocacy and Legal Actions

On July 24, 2017, the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council submitted a letter signed by its members to the EPA. The letter included compelling evidence of the herbicide’s link to Parkinson’s disease and urged the EPA to cancel Paraquat’s registration.

Additionally, the letter highlighted the financial burdens associated with Parkinson’s disease:

• $26,400 for individual patient care annually.
• $19.8 to $26.4 billion in economic strain for the nation.
• Increased taxpayer costs for Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security Disability Insurance.

Legal Developments

A significant lawsuit was filed in October 2017 against Syngenta and Growmark, two leading Paraquat manufacturers. This action was brought on behalf of agricultural workers and farmers suffering from Parkinson’s disease due to exposure to the herbicide.

Take Action Today

If you or someone you care about has shown signs of Parkinson’s disease following long-term exposure to Paraquat, contact us at Youngstown Criminal Law Group. Whether you need a Cadiz OVI lawyer, we are here to assist with your claim and diligently pursue justice.

Our team in Harrison County is equipped to guide you through the legal steps required, working to secure the compensation you deserve (330) 992-3036.