More than a dozen lawsuits have been filed against several paraquat manufacturers. The case claims exposure to a highly poisonous herbicide is responsible for causing Parkinson's disease. Paraquat toxicity is far from new information. It is highly regulated and can only be used by licensed professionals. However, a causal relationship with Parkinson's disease is a recent development. 

Numerous studies have shown that exposure to herbicides increases the risk of disease. As research evolves and new information emerges, the Paraquat lawsuit has the potential to become major litigation for mass crimes. Paraquat Parkinson’s lawyers want to follow this evolution in product stewardship.

Filed Paraquat Lawsuits

Image Source: Google

What is paraquat?

Paraquat dichloride is a popular herbicide used to control weeds and dry cotton. The manufacturer name Syngenta, makes Gramoxon, the most common trade name for the chemical. It has been on the market for over 60 years and has been used in over 100 plants. This includes staples such as soybeans, corn, peanuts, garlic, almonds, pears, grapes, strawberries, artichokes, and sweet potatoes.

The popularity of paraquat:

Paraquat was successful in destroying glyphosate-resistant weed. This weed-killing ability only made it more popular. Over the past 25 years, the use of paraquat in the United States has increased more than ever. In fact, consumption has increased by nearly 200%. Farmers in the United States consume more than 8 million pounds of paraquat each year. 

However, paraquat is considered a Limited Use Pesticide (RUP). Only trained and certified applicators can use it. In addition, the product is not available for use in residential areas. Federal laws on insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides regulate the distribution, sale, and use of paraquat. By law, all buyers must register with the U.S. List of Environmental Protection Agency. Internationally, the European Union, China and Brazil have banned paraquat.

Posted in Business And Management