Possible Link Between Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease
Paraquat has been a popular herbicide for decades. It’s an effective weed killer that the manufacturer introduced in 1961 for commercial purposes. However, it is only available for use by licensed applicators, such as farmers and agricultural workers.
Since paraquat is a toxic chemical that is highly poisonous, multiple safety measures are in place in the United States to prevent accidental poisoning. These measures include:
- It has a strong odor
- It’s marketed as a blue dye, so no one confuses it for a beverage
- An agent is added to it to induce vomiting if ingested
Someone could suffer paraquat poisoning in a range of scenarios, such as:
- Direct skin contact
- Accidental swallowing
- Inhaling fumes
- Eating contaminated food
- Entering the body through an open wound
- Drinking contaminated water
Unfortunately, exposure can happen even with the mandated strict protections in place. Commercial workers aren’t the only ones at risk. After application, paraquat can seep into groundwater and crops, causing serious medical problems for anyone living nearby.
For a free legal consultation with a paraquat lawyer serving North Carolina, call (877) 333-1000
Common Side Effects of Paraquat Exposure
You could suffer a range of adverse effects from ingesting or inhaling the toxic chemicals in paraquat. The damage from exposure is instant whether you swallow, ingest, or touch it.
The most common symptoms of paraquat poisoning you might experience include:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea that might contain blood
The severe damage to the gastrointestinal tract can lead to breathing problems, low blood pressure, nosebleeds, and dehydration.
Swallowing paraquat can become fatal, even if it’s only a tiny amount. Symptoms after consumption can include:
- Confusion
- Respiratory failure
- Weak muscles
- Seizures
- Coma
- Fast heart rate
If you inhale the herbicide, you could suffer any number of medical conditions, such as:
- Lung scarring
- Liver failure
- Respiratory failure
- Pulmonary edema
- Acute kidney failure
You should seek immediate emergency care following paraquat exposure. Whether you inhaled toxic fumes, ingested, or touched the chemical, you will need an experienced and qualified doctor to diagnose your symptoms to determine whether poisoning occurred and begin treatment.
North Carolina Paraquat Lawyer Near Me (877) 333-1000
Possible Link Between Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease
Researchers might have found evidence linking paraquat exposure to the development of Parkinson’s disease. However, some experts debate whether the studies show an increased risk of developing the debilitating disease after coming in contact with the popular herbicide.
Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the nervous system. It primarily affects a person’s movements, beginning as minor symptoms but progressing into more severe issues over time.
The most common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:
- Trouble writing
- Tremors starting in the fingers or hands
- Diminished ability to blink, smile, and perform other automatic movements
- Rigid muscles
- Slurred speech
- Changes in posture and balance
- Slower movement, making routine tasks more challenging to complete
Complications often arise, such as:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Bladder issues
- Trouble swallowing
- Depression and additional changes in mood
- Cognitive problems
- Constipation
Visit your doctor if you notice any symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and believe paraquat poisoning might be to blame.
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Possible Compensation in a Paraquat Lawsuit
The manufacturer allegedly knew about the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease from paraquat exposure but didn’t warn the public.
You might be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer for compensation to cover the losses you suffered, such as:
- Medical bills
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Lost income
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
If your loved one died from the dangerous effects of paraquat, you could pursue a wrongful death case against the manufacturer. However, only the personal representative of your relative’s estate can file a lawsuit in court. The compensation received could compensate for the surviving family’s losses, such as:
- Loss of care, services, protection, and assistance provided by the deceased
- Hospital and medical costs associated with the illness resulting in the death
- Pain and suffering endured by the deceased
- Loss of the deceased’s income
- Burial and funeral expenses
- Loss of companionship, guidance, advice, society, and comfort
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Let DeMayo Law Offices Help You in the Fight for Justice
DeMayo Law Offices has represented individuals harmed by the wrongdoing of manufacturing companies since 1992. With over 150 years of combined legal experience, our paraquat lawsuit lawyers can advocate for your rights and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or suffered another adverse effect of exposure to paraquat, contact DeMayo Law Offices immediately for a free consultation. We can review the circumstances of your case to determine whether you’re eligible to pursue a lawsuit against the negligent manufacturer. Call us at (877) 333-1000 today.
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