As a Memphis Paraquat lawyer, I want to make sure you are informed about the alarming news about Paraquat. Paraquat is a weed killer so toxic that ingesting a single sip can kill you, according to The New York Times, and countries around the world have banned its use. But in America, Paraquat isn’t just legal. In fact, the use of Paraquat has doubled in the U.S. between 2006 and 2016, as reported by the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Project.

However, Paraquat isn’t only deadly if ingested. According to the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council, evidence strongly suggests that chronic exposure to Paraquat can increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease by 200–600%. That is an astonishing number. It means that folks who have handled, mixed, or sprayed Paraquat, as well as those who have been exposed to Paraquat spray drift, may be at serious risk of developing Parkinson’s.

Read below to find out more about this deadly toxin, its link to Parkinson’s, and whether or not you or a loved one may be entitled to compensation.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that affects approximately 1 million people in the U.S. Its cause is a loss or dying off of cells called dopaminergic neurons.

Parkinson’s is called a movement disorder because some of the most common motor symptoms are the slowing and stiffening of movements, resting tremors, and impaired balance or posture instability. It also has non-motor symptoms like apathy, depression, fatigue,  chronic constipation, excessive sweating and insomnia.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, the first thing to do is contact your doctor. Get an examination to determine if you have Parkinson’s or are developing symptoms of the disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Parkinson’s, but there are some treatment options that can help slow its symptoms.

What is Paraquat?

Paraquat dichloride has been used since the 1960s. It is a highly toxic herbicide used to prevent weed and grass growth on commercial farms and crops, it can be recognized by its distinctive blue color and distinctive odor. One of the most popular herbicides containing Paraquat in the United States is Gramoxone SL 2.0 Herbicide, manufactured by Syngenta. So far the manufacturers named in Paraquat lawsuits include Syngenta, Growmark, and Chevron U.S.A, Inc.

Other Paraquat herbicide trade names include:

  • Parazone
  • Para-SHOT
  • Firestorm
  • Helmquat
  • Quick-Quat
  • Ortho-Paraquat
  • Blanco
  • Devour

What is Paraquat Poisoning?

Paraquat poisoning can occur if you:

  • Get Paraquat on your skin
  • Inhale or ingest Paraquat
  • Come into contact with sprayed plants
  • Mix, load, or apply Paraquat

Paraquat Exposure and Poisoning Symptoms

Immediate side effects of Paraquat exposure include:

  • Confusion
  • Dehydration
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Gastrointestinal distress (like nausea, diarrhea or bloody stool, and vomiting)
  • Muscle fatigue or weakness
  • Pain and swelling of the mouth and throat
  • Seizures

Long-term health effects of Paraquat poisoning include:

  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Atypical Parkinson’s
  • Progressive supranuclear palsy
  • Multiple system atrophy

If You Think You May Have Parkinson’s due to Paraquat, Speak with a Memphis Paraquat Lawyer Today.

This is not the first time a weed killer has been linked to serious illness. My firm has been tackling personal injury cases related to Roundup use for years, and we know what it takes to go up against big companies like Syngenta (the manufacturers of Paraquat.)

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, or show serious side effects from Paraquat exposure, contact us online or give us a call at 901-327-2100 today for a FREE consultation. One of our compassionate Memphis Paraquat lawyers is ready and waiting to help you. We will discuss your specific circumstance and come up with a plan to get you the compensation you deserve. Compensation from a lawsuit can help pay for medical bills, lost wages and help you take care of your family. Contact us today to find out if you have a case.