Paraquat Lawsuits

A 2020 congressional investigation reported that the manufacturers’ internal testing showed high levels of toxic heavy metals in the following brands of baby food:

• Beech-Nut^®
• Gerber^®
• Hain Celestial Group – Earth’s Best Organic^®
• Nurture – Happy Family Organics and HappyBABY^®
• Plum^® Organics
• Sprout Foods – Sprout Organic Food
• Walmart – Parent’s Choice™

Even at low levels, exposure to toxic heavy metals has been linked to serious irreversible damage to neurological development. Such exposure is particularly dangerous for babies and young children because their brains and nervous systems are still developing, and their systems do not flush heavy metals out of their bodies as quickly as in adults.

At Consumer Safe Hub, our experienced attorneys take a personalized, compassionate approach. We cut through the legalese and partner with our clients. We have access to the expertise, resources, and manpower to fully investigate each case and fight for and with our clients to get the justice they deserve.

What is Paraquat?

Paraquat is a toxic chemical used as an herbicide to kill unwanted plants and vegetation. Although it is more than 130 years old, it was not widely used until the middle of the twentieth century. It was first released in the U.S. in 1964. Paraquat is marketed throughout the U.S. under various brand names, including Cyclone, Helmquat, Parazone, and Gramoxone, which is sold by the agricultural company Syngenta.

Primarily used as a spray, paraquat is highly toxic. It is dangerous to breathe or swallow or even if it comes in contact with a person’s skin. Swallowing even small amounts of paraquat can be lethal. Because paraquat is highly poisonous, the forms marketed in the United States are dyed blue to prevent confusion with beverages, are formulated to have a sharp odor to serve as a warning, and include an added agent to force vomiting if someone drinks it.

Research has found that paraquat exposure greatly increases a person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, and that ongoing exposure to paraquat can also damage brain cells and lead to kidney, heart, and liver failure as well as lung scarring and pulmonary edema.

Paraquat is banned in more than 50 countries around the world. It is not banned in the U.S., but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designates paraquat as a “restricted-use product” and requires anyone applying it to be certified and trained using an EPA-approved training program.

Paraquat Main Uses

Paraquat is used to control weeds and invasive grasses and is used on more than 100 crops in the United States. The most common crops paraquat is used on include:

• Alfalfa
• Corn
• Cotton
• Grapes in vineyards
• Soybeans

Paraquat is also widely used to control weeds in orchards and in pastures. 

The states in which paraquat is most commonly used include:

Paraquat Exposure Linked to Parkinson’s Disease

Strong scientific evidence links paraquat exposure to Parkinson’s disease. Numerous studies have shown this connection. One such study found that paraquat users developed Parkinson’s disease 2.5 times more often than nonusers. Another study found that people exposed to paraquat while in their teens or as young adults had a 200 to 600 percent greater risk of developing Parkinson’s; the longer the exposure, the greater the risk.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is an irreversible degenerative neurological disorder. There is no cure. Parkinson’s disease is progressive, with symptoms becoming worse over time. Parkinson’s impairs movement and muscle control, and it may also lead to dementia and mental impairments over time.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:

Paraquat Lawyer

If you or a loved one personally mixed or sprayed paraquat, have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or are under a doctor’s care for the symptoms of Parkinson’s, and are considering filing a paraquat lawsuit, contact us. The consultation is free.

For news and updates regarding the Paraquat litigation, visit our Paraquat Litigation Tracker.