The Science of Paraquat:
Why is it Dangerous?
Paraquat is a toxic chemical and one of the country’s most popular commercial herbicides. First manufactured under the brand Gramoxone by Imperial Chemical Industries in 1961, the herbicide is still marketed under that name by Syngenta. However, a dozen manufacturers now sell Paraquat under different names.The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies Paraquat for “restricted use,” which means you cannot purchase it unless you are a licensed applicators. The agricultural industry uses it widely to kill weeds and grass. Paraquat is popular even though it’s deadly.
Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease
According to an Environmental Health Perspectives article, self-reported Parkinson’s Disease is associated with the lifetime use of pesticides. Moreover, animal studies suggest that Paraquat can cause oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, which experts believe causes Parkinson’s Disease.In one prominent study, researchers assessed the lifetime use of pesticides reported by participants in the Agricultural Health Study, a prospective study of private pesticide applicators (mostly farmers) and their spouses in Iowa and North Carolina. The researchers collected detailed information about the use of 31 different pesticides and health information, including lifelong smoking and family history of Parkinson’s Disease. For participants with Parkinson’s Disease, the researchers considered pesticide use that occurred before their diagnosis. Participants with Parkinson’s Disease were 2.5 times more likely than controls to have reported use of Paraquat.
Paraquat and Poisoning
Aside from its link to Parkinson’s Disease, Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide. More than 50 countries have banned the use of Paraquat because of its high death rate in accidental poisonings. In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies Paraquat as “restricted use,” meaning only licensed applicators may purchase the herbicide. The EPA also bans its use in residential settings. Paraquat has a very high death rate after accidental poisonings because of its high toxicity.If you or a loved one are suffering from long-term health problems resulting from paraquat exposure, contact the Madeksho Law Firm at 1-888-910-6376 or through our online form. Your initial consultation is free, and you never pay a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
