New Study Hints at Awful Effects of Paraquat on the Lungs:
Paraquat is an herbicide used for weed and grass control throughout the U.S. Imperial Chemical Industries first marketed Paraquat commercially in the U.S. in 1961 under the trade name Gramoxone. It is still sold under the name Gramoxone by its current owner, Syngenta. Paraquat is one of the most common herbicides used globally, although both the European Union and Switzerland ban Paraquat, ironically, the home of Syngenta.Many large chemical companies now market Paraquat, including Adama Group, Drexel Chemical Company, Syngenta, and United Phosphorous. Unfortunately, Paraquat is also one of the most dangerous herbicides on the market. A new study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials reinforces the toxic effects Paraquat can have on the lungs.
The Dangers of Paraquat
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies Paraquat as “restricted use,” and only people with licenses can purchase and apply the chemical. The EPA restricts who can purchase and use Paraquat because it is a toxic chemical that can cause death if accidentally inhaled or ingested. Even if an individual survives paraquat poisoning, it can lead to long-term health problems like kidney failure, lung damage, heart failure, and esophageal strictures.Research also links long-term exposure to Paraquat to Parkinson’s disease, a progressive and chronic nervous system disorder that affects movement and brain function. The rate of Parkinson’s Disease among agricultural workers exposed to the herbicide is increasing dramatically.
New Study on Paraquat’s Effects on Lungs
The study from the Journal of Hazardous Materials on the “Immediate and late systemic and lung effects of inhaled paraquat in rats,” reveals that inhaled Paraquat:
- Induced “lung oxidative stress and inflammation” immediately and 16 days after exposure,
- Induced “systemic and lung inflammation” immediately and 16 days after exposure, and
- Induced “long-lasting systemic and lung inflammation.”
The study reinforces both the immediate and long-term toxicity of inhaled Paraquat.
Contact the Madeksho Law Firm
If you believe that Paraquat has harmed you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Madeksho Law Firm through our online form or by phone at 1-888-910-6376. Your consultation is free, and there is never a charge until we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
