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Agricultural companies, farms, and other types of businesses have relied on paraquat-containing herbicides for decades to keep their fields and lawns free from weeds and pests. Unfortunately, however, research has demonstrated a strong link between exposure to these types of pesticides to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease and many types of cancer. If you have developed Parkinson’s disease or cancer after being exposed to paraquat over several years, you might be entitled to file a legal compensation claim. Paraquat lawsuit attorney Evan M. Ostfeld, Esq. and the legal team at the law firm of Evan M. Ostfeld, P.A. are currently reviewing potential claims against the responsible manufacturers.
Paraquat dichloride, which is commonly referred to as paraquat, is a widely used pesticide in the U.S. Many agricultural companies and businesses use paraquat to kill weeds. Paraquat is sold by multiple pesticide manufacturers under the following brands:
Unfortunately, paraquat is among the most toxic pesticides available on the market. A single sip of paraquat can be fatal and cause death. Because of its toxicity, paraquat’s use has been restricted by the Environmental Protection Agency. Currently, only certified applicators can apply it. In addition to poisoning risks, paraquat can cause dangerous health outcomes in people who are exposed to the pesticide while it is being mixed, loaded, or sprayed.
Paraquat has been banned or is being phased out because of its danger to public health in the EU, Brazil, and China. However, the U.S. has not banned or started the process of phasing out this pesticide and has instead only implemented some measures to try to prevent accidental poisoning through ingestion of paraquat by requiring warning labels, safer packaging, and training. These measures do not help to prevent dangers from exposure to paraquat and the potential for people to develop Parkinson’s disease as a result.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition that causes people to suffer motor control problems, trouble walking, slowed movements, rigidity, and tremors. It is progressive, meaning that the symptoms grow worse over time. People who suffer from Parkinson’s disease have degeneration of the nerves located in the substantia nigra, which is the region of the brain that controls movement. The degeneration causes the nerve cells to produce less dopamine, which the nervous system uses to transmit messages. The reduction in the levels of dopamine leads to the classic symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Once someone develops this condition, it is incurable. The causes of Parkinson’s disease are unknown. However, researchers believe that the environment, aging, and genetic factors all contribute. Recently, researchers have found a link between Parkinson’s disease and environmental exposures, including chronic exposure to low levels of paraquat.
In 2011, the National Institute of Health published a report relying on data from the Agricultural Health Study. The researchers found that people who used paraquat were 2.5 times likelier to develop Parkinson’s disease than others.
In 2014, another study supported the findings from the 2011 report. Researchers found that people who had sprayed paraquat were two times likelier to develop Parkinson’s disease than others. A third study in 2017 confirmed a link between Parkinson’s disease and paraquat, which was especially pronounced in people with certain genetic traits.
These studies and the EPA’s proposed re-approval of paraquat led 52 organizations to sign a letter to the EPA asking for the agency to ban this pesticide because of its serious exposure risks to farmers and people who live near to where paraquat is used. Despite the growing evidence of the dangers of paraquat to public health, paraquat is still legal in the U.S. and continues to be used across the country.
Some of the symptoms people might have after developing Parkinson’s disease following exposure to paraquat include the following:
If you have been exposed to paraquat while working on the job or from its application on farmland near to your home and have subsequently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you might be entitled to file a claim against the manufacturer for its failure to adequately warn about the dangers posed by its products. An experienced paraquat Parkinson’s attorney can evaluate your potential claim and explain the legal remedies that you might be entitled to pursue.
The Law Offices of Evan M. Ostfeld, P.A. has over 28 years of experience and provides a no-obligation case evaluation. You will not be responsible for any attorney’s fees or costs unless there is a recovery or court award. Contact a paraquat lawsuit attorney today at (866) I SUE YOU, (866) 478-3968, (954) 227-7529, (954) 998-0075 Text or [email protected].
