Farmers Still Want Paraquat Despite Dangers:
Paraquat is one of the world’s most popular herbicides. According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. farmers spray more than ten million pounds of the chemical on corn, soybeans, and other fruits and vegetables each year. But Paraquat can be lethal to humans if ingested or inhaled, accidentally or intentionally. Both the European Union and Britain banned the chemical, but Paraquat use is on the rise in many other parts of the world, including the United States.
Paraquat Can Be Lethal
Paraquat isn’t just lethal to humans; after all, many herbicides and pesticides can kill if ingested. The chemical can kill an adult with just a sip. In 2017, an Australian family discovered just how dangerous the herbicide could be when their severely autistic son drank some Paraquat left in a Coke bottle in the disabled bathroom at a local sporting ground. He was one of the lucky few to survive Paraquat poisoning, but he and his family may face long-term repercussions to his health. Moreover, some studies link Paraquat exposure to Parkinson’s Disease.
Farmers Still in Favor of Paraquat
Despite the dangers, the popularity of Paraquat is rising among farmers because the herbicide is so effective. Paraquat is a non-selective contact herbicide, meaning it kills any plant it touches. The chemical works by disrupting photosynthesis in plants, which means weeds immediately begin to wither and die. As many weeds develop resistance to glyphosate, marketed as Roundup, Paraquat use increases around the world.Farmers understand the danger. In Australia in 2012, a farmer died after Paraquat accidentally sprayed into his mouth. Recent investigations in the U.S. and abroad revealed that Paraquat’s manufacturer, Syngenta, had more effective and safer alternatives that were more expensive. The company continues to deny that it marketed Paraquat, also sold as Gramoxone, to protect its bottom line. Despite this knowledge, farmers continue to use Paraquat, worrying that if governments ban the chemical, they’ll need to use more expensive and less effective products.If you or a loved one have been harmed from Paraquat exposure or ingestion or developed Parkinson’s Disease that you believe resulted from Paraquat exposure, contact the Madeksho Law Firm at 888-910-6376 or through our online form. Your consultation is free, and you won’t pay any fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
