Lawsuits on Paraquat and Parkinson Disease Injury

Plaintiffs are currently filing lawsuits against the manufacturers of Paraquat, seeking compensation for damages related to Parkinson’s disease, which they allege is linked to significant exposure to the herbicide.

What is Paraquat?

Paraquat is a chemical herbicide that has been in use since 1962. It is primarily used to control weeds and grass and also acts as a drying agent on crops after they have been harvested. Due to its high toxicity, it is classified as a “restricted use” product. This means that anyone who wishes to mix, load, or apply Paraquat must complete a training program approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that Paraquat is significantly more toxic than many other herbicides. Poisoning can occur through ingestion, skin absorption, or inhalation. Exposure to this chemical has been associated with severe health issues, including birth defects, cancer, and Parkinson’s disease.

It is typically sprayed directly onto the leaves of unwanted plants. It is also used to clear fields before new crops are planted and has been used to eradicate marijuana plants in both the USA and Mexico. If you need a skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyer, our team is ready to assist.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that typically affects individuals in their middle to later years. This condition impacts the motor system, leading to symptoms such as:

• Tremors in the hands, arms, and legs
• Impaired balance and coordination
• Stiffness in the limbs and body
• Slowed movement

Parkinson’s is a chronic and progressive illness. While medical therapies can help manage the symptoms and provide some relief, there is currently no permanent cure.

If you or a family member in Pennsylvania have used Paraquat over an extended period and are now exhibiting symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, please contact us at Logue Law Group. Our experienced Pittsburgh DUI lawyer can guide you through the process of claiming damages.

Key Information About the Paraquat Lawsuit

Research from the 1980s in Southern California provided early clues about the dangers of chemicals similar to Paraquat. Scientists discovered that MPTP, a contaminant found in heroin with a chemical structure like Paraquat’s, could cause severe neurological damage by destroying dopamine-producing neurons, which is a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease.

In 1997, the EPA acknowledged that individuals who mix, load, and apply the herbicide face significant exposure risks. This risk extends beyond just the handlers; it also affects people living near the farms where the herbicide is applied. This is a serious concern for residents across Pennsylvania, including those in Allegheny County.

Further studies have solidified this connection.

• A 2009 publication in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that individuals living within 1600 feet of areas where Paraquat was sprayed had an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
• In 2014, the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology published a study on environmental toxins and Parkinson’s, concluding that Paraquat is a probable cause. The study also revealed that pesticide applicators exposed to Paraquat are twice as likely to develop the disease as the general population.
• Recognizing the growing body of evidence, the EPA announced in 2016 that it would re-evaluate Paraquat and its potential link to Parkinson’s disease.

On July 24, 2017, the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council sent a letter to the EPA, signed by all its members, presenting evidence that strongly links Paraquat exposure to Parkinson’s disease. The council strongly urged the EPA to cancel Paraquat’s registration. When facing legal challenges, a reliable Pittsburgh DUI lawyer can make all the difference.

The letter also highlighted the significant financial impact of the disease:

• The annual cost for caring for a Parkinson’s patient is estimated at $26,400.
• The total economic burden on the country ranges from $19.8 to $26.4 billion.
• These figures include costs covered by programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security Disability Insurance.

In October 2017, a major lawsuit was filed against Syngenta and Growmark, the manufacturers, on behalf of agricultural workers and farmers who developed Parkinson’s disease after being exposed to Paraquat.

If you believe you or your loved ones deserve justice after developing signs of Parkinson’s disease, free, confidential consultation dial 412-387-6901. Our Pittsburgh criminal lawyer is here in Pennsylvania to manage your claim and fight for your rights.