Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide used primarily in “no-till” farming operations to control unwanted grass and weed growth. It is also often used along roadways for the same reasons. Most commonly sold under the brand-name Gramoxone by the global agricultural company Syngenta, a subsidiary of the Chinese company ChemChina.

Notably, Paraquat has been banned in more than 50 countries across the world, including Switzerland (where Syngenta is headquartered) and China (where ChemChina is located).

It has not been banned in the United States.

Paraquat is so toxic it is classified in the U.S. as a Restricted Use product and can only be purchased and used by licensed applicators. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), Paraquat is the most commonly used restricted-use herbicide in the U.S. with its application increasing almost four times over the past decade. This means applicators are particularly vulnerable to Paraquat‘s toxic side effects.

Scientific research has now demonstrated a link between Paraquat exposure and development of Parkinson’s Disease; an incurable, degenerative central nervous system disorder that affects body movement, often in the form of tremors, rigidity, changes in speech, and loss of balance. Individuals exposed to Paraquat are estimated to be between 2.5 to 11 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s Disease than the average person. The greater the exposure the higher the risk for developing Parkinson’s Disease.

If you have been exposed to Paraquat and been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, contact us online or call us at 1-866-252-3535.