Paraquat & Parkinson's Disease

PWHD is currently investigating claims for individuals who have used Paraquat commercially and now have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease or are experiencing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including tremors, rigidity in the joints, slowness in movement, or instability. If you have used Paraquat and have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease or have developed symptoms of this disease, please contact us for a NO COST consultation.

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What is Paraquat?

Paraquat, or paraquat dichloride, is a powerful herbicide manufactured by Syngenta and sold by Syngenta and by Chevron Phillips, Chemical Company LP. It has been sold under numerous brand names to include: Gramoxone, Paraquat Concentrate, Blanco, Cyclone SL 2.0, Firestorm, Helmquat 3SL, Bonedry, Devour, and Para-squat 3.0, among others. Since 1964, Paraquat has been used commercially in the United States to kill broadleaf weeds and grasses before the planting of fruit, vegetable, and plantation crops, to control weeds in orchards, and to desiccate (dry) plants before harvest.

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Paraquat is highly toxic, and the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has made it a “restrictive use” pesticide. It typically has a blue tint and a very pungent odor. Until 2020, a special license was required to purchase paraquat. In 2020, it was changed so that anyone who intends to purchase or use the product must also have the license.

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As a consequence of its toxic nature, Paraquat can enter the blood stream and kill the nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (meaning it is used to communicate with other nerve cells) and is essential for normal control of movement. Without dopamine, the thought of lifting an arm cannot be transferred to the act of lifting the arm. Without adequate levels of dopamine, the motor system in the body shuts down, and the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease start to occur. Thus, Paraquat has been associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease.

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If you or a loved one have used Paraquat commercially and now have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease or are experiencing symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, which include tremors, rigidity in the joints, slowness in movement, or instability, our products liability attorneys would like to talk to you. You can discuss your potential claim with us at no cost by calling us today at 757-223-4500 or filling out our online contact form.