Lawsuits Regarding Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease Injuries

Current litigation involving Paraquat is centered on plaintiffs seeking financial compensation for Parkinson’s disease. This serious condition has been linked to extensive exposure to the herbicide known as Paraquat.

What Exactly Is Paraquat?

Since 1962, Paraquat has served as a widely popular herbicide designed for weed control and as a drying agent for crops after harvest. Because of its potency, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates that anyone mixing, loading, or applying this chemical must complete an approved training program. The herbicide is classified as restricted use due to its high potential for poisoning and misuse. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that Paraquat is more toxic than many other herbicides. Poisoning can manifest through inhalation, swallowing, or absorption through the skin. Long-term exposure has been associated with severe health issues, including birth defects, various forms of cancer, and Parkinson’s disease.

Typically, it is applied directly to leaves to eliminate weeds. In the United States and Mexico, it is often sprayed right before planting crops and is also used to eradicate marijuana plants.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that generally appears in individuals during their middle or later years. It primarily impacts the motor systems, leading to symptoms such as tremors in the legs and arms, poor balance and coordination, limb rigidity, and slowed movement. It is a chronic and progressive illness. While medical therapies can offer some relief, there is currently no permanent cure.

If you or a family member have a history of long-term Paraquat use and are exhibiting symptoms of Parkinson’s, please reach out to the Youngstown Criminal Law Group. While our lead counsel is a prominent Youngstown criminal lawyer, our group is also dedicated to helping victims of toxic exposure in Ohio secure the damages they deserve.

Key Facts About the Paraquat Lawsuits

Research dating back to the 1980s in Southern California discovered that MPTP, a heroin contaminant structurally similar to Paraquat, destroyed dopamine neurons and caused neurological issues leading to Parkinson’s disease.

In 1997, the EPA disclosed that individuals are at risk of exposure during the mixing, loading, and application processes, as well as in the post-application period. This risk extends beyond those handling the chemical to include residents living near farms where the herbicide is utilized. Navigating these environmental regulations requires the same meticulous attention to detail that a Youngstown DUI attorney from our team applies when challenging evidence in traffic court.

A 2009 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that disease risks increased for those living within 1,600 feet of spray zones. Later, in 2014, the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology released findings on Environmental Toxins and Parkinson’s Disease. This review not only linked Paraquat to the disease but also indicated that pesticide applicators exposed to the chemical face twice the risk compared to the general population. In 2016, the EPA announced a re-evaluation of the herbicide and its potential connection to Parkinson’s.

On July 24, 2017, the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council sent a letter signed by all members to the EPA. The letter presented facts linking the chemical to the disease and urged the agency to cancel Paraquat’s registration.

The letter also highlighted the unavoidable expenses associated with the disease:

• $26,400 required for individual patient care.
• $19.8 to $26.4 billion in total economic burden for the country.
• Significant costs for federal programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security Disability Insurance.

When facing such overwhelming potential costs in Mahoning County, you need a fierce advocate. Just as a Youngstown criminal lawyer fights to protect your liberty, our injury attorneys fight to protect your financial future against negligent manufacturers.

In October 2017, a lawsuit was filed against manufacturers Syngenta and Growmark. This legal action was taken on behalf of farmers and agricultural workers who developed Parkinson’s disease following exposure.If you are seeking justice because you or a loved one has developed signs of this condition, contact the Youngstown Criminal Law Group. Whether you need the services of a Youngstown DUI attorney or help with a toxic tort claim, our experienced team in Youngstown will handle your case with care. Call us now at 412.387.6901.