Paraquat Poisoning: What You Need to Know
What causes it? You can come into contact with Paraquat if you accidentally eat or drink it, get it on your skin, or inhale it. Those at risk for paraquat exposure are primarily agricultural workers involved in applying, mixing, or loading the herbicide. The EPA has confirmed that exposure typically occurs during these activities and has set regulations for protective gear to minimize risks.
Being exposed to Paraquat is dangerous and can lead to poisoning. Symptoms include:
- Pain and swelling
- Stomach pain and vomiting
- Scarring in the lungs
- Failure of the heart, kidneys, or liver within days to weeks
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Rhon Jones Toxic Torts Section Head Montgomery, AL -
Wesley Merillat Of Counsel Montgomery, AL -
Elizabeth Weyerman Associate Montgomery, AL -
Khadiga Carr Associate Montgomery, AL
Paraquats Link to Parkinson’s Disease
Recent research shows that being around pesticides like Paraquat can increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. These chemicals can cause changes in cells similar to those seen in Parkinson’s, especially for people who are already at risk.
A 2019 study found that people exposed to Paraquat had a 25% higher chance of getting Parkinson’s, and the risk goes up with more exposure. Out of 31 pesticides studied, Paraquat was one of the most harmful, creating toxic molecules that stress and damage cells, similar to what happens in Parkinson’s.
Exposure to Paraquat during teenage and young adult years can increase the risk of Parkinson’s by 200% to 600%, depending on how long the exposure lasts. This highlights the importance of being cautious around such chemicals.
Parkinson’s Disease Explained:
Imagine if your body started moving in slow motion, making everyday tasks like talking or walking suddenly difficult. That’s a bit like what happens with Parkinson’s disease, a health condition that affects how one moves. It starts off with barely noticeable changes, such as a slight tremble in the hand, but over time, it can lead to more serious difficulties like trouble walking or speaking. People with Parkinson’s can also experience changes in their mood, have issues with sleeping well, feel depressed, and face challenges with thinking or remembering things. While there’s no cure for Parkinson’s, there are treatments available to help manage these symptoms.
The Battle to Ban Paraquat
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) checks herbicides every 15 years to make sure they are safe. In 2017, they started reviewing Paraquat. By 2019, the EPA found that Paraquat is safe if used correctly, but it can still be risky for workers and people nearby due to exposure and spray drift. They reviewed over 70 articles, including studies linking Paraquat to Parkinson’s disease. In 2021, the EPA decided not to ban Paraquat but suggested ways to reduce exposure risks.
Even though Paraquat is still legal, many people are worried about its safety and want stricter rules. California, the nation’s top user of Paraquat, plans to ban it starting in January 2026 with Assembly Bill 1963.
Recently, over 53,000 people have signed petitions to ban Paraquat, showing the need for new regulations. The pressure on the EPA to ban Paraquat nationwide highlights the dangers of toxic chemicals and the harm they can cause to farm workers, the environment, and public health. The message is clear: the EPA needs to act to protect people from these dangers.
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