People who were exposed to paraquat herbicide and suffered complications, such as Parkinson’s disease, may be able to file a paraquat lawsuit. Paraquat, a widely used herbicide for weed and grass protection, is one of the world’s most widely used herbicides.
Certain chemicals in paraquat have been related to the development of serious health problems, including Parkinson’s disease, one of the most common neurological disorders affecting humans, according to research. People who have been harmed by paraquat, as well as the families of those who have died, will be entitled to file a lawsuit and receive compensation with the assistance of a product liability attorney.
If you or a loved one was exposed to paraquat herbicide and developed complications, such as Parkinson’s disease, please contact Linville Johnson for more information on your options. We provide no-cost, no-obligation consultations. We will help answer your questions, and if you decide to file a lawsuit, we will put you in touch with an associated attorney who will guide you through the legal process.
Have You Seen a Commercial for a Paraquat Lawsuit?
You may have seen a paraquat litigation commercial on television and wondered whether you or a loved one had been harmed by it or similar products, and if so, whether you are entitled to file a claim against the herbicide manufacturer or distributor. The purpose of this article is to provide you with more detail about lawsuits and other cases involving hazardous herbicides and related products so that you can make an informed decision about your choices.
What is Paraquat?
Paraquat dichloride (commonly referred to as paraquat) is a highly toxic chemical that is mainly used to combat weeds and grass, as well as as a defoliant on crops prior to harvest. Paraquat is one of the most commonly used herbicides registered in the United States, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Paraquat was first commercially manufactured in 1961 and is now only available to commercially approved consumers. In the United States, paraquat is sold in liquid form with a blue dye to distinguish it from drinks and other liquid consumables.
Paraquat Exposure
People may be exposed to paraquat in a number of ways, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including:
Consumption or swallowing (most likely exposure route)
Mixes easily with food, water, or other liquids – If a safeguard additive (such as a dye, odor, or vomiting agent) is not used, people can not realize the product is tainted.
Skin exposure – Poisoning is more likely if the skin exposure is prolonged, requires a concentrated form of paraquat, or occurs through damaged skin (skin that has sores, cuts, or a severe rash).
Inhalation – Paraquat can cause poisoning, which can lead to lung damage.
Paraquat Herbicide Risks and Side Effects
When a significant amount of paraquat is consumed, the individual is likely to experience immediate pain and swelling of the mouth and throat. Other symptoms of illness that can occur after consumption include gastrointestinal (digestive tract) symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea (which may become bloody).
Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and low blood pressure may all result from severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
Small to medium doses of paraquat can cause adverse health effects within a few days to a few weeks, including heart failure, kidney failure, liver failure, and lung scarring.
People who have consumed large amounts of paraquat may experience the following signs and symptoms within a few hours to a few days:
- Kidney Malfunction, Acute
- Perplexity
- In a coma
- Rapid heart rate
- Cardiovascular disease
- Failure of the liver
- Scarring of the lungs (evolves more quickly than when small to medium amounts have been ingested)
- Muscle deterioration
- Edema of the lungs (fluid in the lungs)
- Failure of the respiratory system (breathing), probably leading to death
- Seizures are a form of seizures.
- The presence of these signs and symptoms does not always imply that a person has been exposed to paraquat.
Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by the gradual death of brain cells. Tremors, rigidity, excessive slowness of movement, and poor balance are all symptoms of the disorder. Other symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing and speaking, can be normal, and people who are affected may also experience non-motor symptoms.
Researchers have proposed a correlation between pesticide and herbicide exposure and an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease growth.
If you have any concerns regarding a paraquat case or would like to talk with an attorney, please contact Paraquat Attorneys today via (844) 565-0674.