Weed Killer Linked to Parkinson’s Disease
The herbicide Paraquat, also known as Gramoxone, has been linked to Parkinson’s disease. Farmers and agricultural workers are at risk of exposure to this herbicide. Paraquat first came onto the market in the 1960s and has been used throughout the United States on all different types of crops.
Who is at Risk of Exposure?
- Agriculture workers
- Individuals who lived next to crops that were sprayed with Paraquat
Paraquat is classified as a “restricted use” pesticide by the EPA, which limits Paraquat use to agricultural or commercial settings only. It is most commonly used in conjunction with no-till crop agriculture. Paraquat can be used at different times of the year.
In recent years, Paraquat use has increased due to Roundup resistant weeds.
The Link Between Paraquat and Parkinson’s
In 2011, the National Institute of Health conducted a study of farmers that found paraquat users were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 2.5 times more often than non-users.
Several additional studies have linked paraquat exposure to Parkinson’s and it continues to be studied to better understand the relationship between paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease.
Call to Action from Parkinson’s Advocates
In 2017, the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council (UPAC) wrote a letter to the EPA asking them “to deny the reregistration of the herbicide based on strong evidence of paraquat’s harm to human health.” Thirty-two countries have banned the herbicide and the UPAC urged the EPA to follow their lead. The letter was signed by members of numerous Parkinson’s advocacy groups including:
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation
- American Parkinson Disease Association
- Parkinson’s Foundation
- Parkinson Voice Project
- Dallas Area Parkinsonism Society
- Parkinson Association of the Rockies
- Parkinson’s Resource of Oregon
- Houston Area Parkinson Society
- Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation
- Parkinson Association of Alabama
- Wisconsin Parkinson Association
Lawsuit Related to Parkinson’s
If you or a loved one has been exposed to Paraquat, also known as Gramoxone, and have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, you may have a claim. Contact a Paraquat Attorney today for your free, no-obligation consultation.