Prolonged Paraquat Exposure: What Are the Side Effects?

If you have been exposed to the toxic herbicide known as Paraquat, you could be entitled to seek extra compensation. When inhaled or exposed, Paraquat can be very dangerous and put users in harm’s way. Farmers who believe they have experienced side effects that developed into an illness should seek the help of a Paraquat lawsuit attorney.

Thousands of claims have been filed against Paraquat, and the attorneys for mass tort cases at Class Action Coalition are ready to help. Here are side effects workers who use Paraquat should familiarize themselves with to distinguish if they have suffered from prolonged use.

What Is Paraquat & Why Is There A Lawsuit?

Used for keeping weeds and grass under control, Paraquat is a toxic chemical found in liquid form. Since it is so high in toxicity, it is not used in residential areas or everyday commonplaces, and certain individuals are allowed to use the product.

Paraquat is not available in stores since only licensed applicators, such as farmers, are able to use the product. The chemical is vastly different than other products on the market to distinguish it since its use is potentially dangerous.

If you were to see Paraquat on the market, you will notice it has a blue dye and a stronger smell to notify individuals as a warning. There is also an additive in the mixture to induce vomiting if one were to accidentally swallow the product.

So, why are there thousands of lawsuits being filed against this herbicide?

Companies that sell Paraquat, like Syngenta, have a duty to warn potential users of the hazards that can come with using this product. Manufacturers have failed to warn the public that there is a link between Parkinson’s Disease with the use of Paraquat.

Without this proper warning, individuals who have suffered from this disease are entitled to seek the help of a Paraquat lawsuit attorney to seek justice and compensation to help with medical bills.

If you have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease or any other illness as a result of your work, it’s time to speak to an attorney about your eligibility to file a claim. Speak to your doctor about the cause of your illness so your attorney can best determine which steps to take in your case.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s Disease is an illness that affects a person’s movement and their ability to control certain tremors. While PD can be genetic, some people can develop this illness from the exposure of certain chemicals like Paraquat.

Individuals who suffer from this disease can experience a severe impact on their daily life. Parkinson’s makes it difficult to control simple movements such as walking, talking, and more.

A person who is battling PD may also experience the following symptoms:

  • Tremors in the hands and legs
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Body stiffness
  • Falls or lack of balance

Parkinson’s develops when a person’s brain no longer produces enough dopamine. Paraquat’s most active ingredient is the highly toxic Gramoxone, which can be extremely corrosive. Over time, if a user of Paraquat has inhaled this chemical from prolonged use, this can cause dopamine in the brain to break down and diminish, which will then lead to PD.

plane spraying paraquat on field

Treatments For PD

Sadly, Parkinson’s Disease does not have a cure, but there are modifications a person can use to help regulate their life with this illness.

Medications are available, and so are adjustments and activities, as well as surgeries, a person with Parkinson’s can add to their life to make managing the tremors more helpful.

The medications that doctors prescribe can be used to help better control the tremors that may occur while increasing or substituting dopamine in the brain. Medications will not provide a long-term solution as treatment, so they will need to be incorporated with other modifications to have the best outcome.

Lifestyle choices may be discussed with your doctor since this can also help control the onset of Parkinson’s. A few modifications they may discuss are:

  • Healthy eating
  • Exercise
  • Modifications to daily activities

Some treatments for PD can add up, especially if your case is severe enough to warrant certain surgeries. By seeking out the help of attorneys for mass tort cases that can be filed against Paraquat, the compensation from your settlement can help cover or make up the cost of all of the treatments.

Other Paraquat Exposure Side Effects

Parkinson’s Disease is not the only side effect that can develop from long-term exposure to Paraquat. Other complications may arise that can pose as a daily nuisance or just as big of a threat as PD.

Here are some other side effects you may experience from using Paraquat for a prolonged amount of time:

  • Lung damage
  • Kidney failure
  • Heart failure
  • Muscle weakness
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting
  • Death
  • More

It is very important that individuals who find themselves using Paraquat on a regular basis take necessary precautions to protect their health. Wearing masks while spraying the herbicide can greatly reduce the amount of chemicals that are inhaled, and wearing long sleeves and pants can protect the skin.

If Paraquat were to land on the skin, it can cause burns, a rash, or cause more damage to the lungs.

Get In Touch With Attorneys For Mass Tort Cases At Our Firm

Have you used Paraquat and developed Parkinson’s or other side effects? If so, it’s time to contact the Paraquat lawsuit attorneys at Class Action Coalition. Our firm specializes in handling nationwide cases fighting against corporate negligence.

We are here to answer any questions you may have about your case since you will be filing a mass tort claim. Since thousands of individuals have been injured by this chemical and are facing similar injuries, your case will be grouped with other plaintiffs who are filing the same claim.

You will work closely with one of our high-quality attorneys throughout this journey, who will advise you on the best steps to take in your case. If you’re ready to get started, call (855) 938-0980 to start seeking the compensation you deserve.