Paraquat Use in the United States
Paraquat, a common weed killer used in commercial and private agriculture, has been linked to an increased risk of the development of Parkinson’s disease, especially among agricultural workers. Why is Paraquat still allowed in the United States?
In this article, we’ll explore the use of Paraquat in the U.S. and why the dangerous herbicide is still allowed by environmental regulators in the United States.
IMPORTANT: If you or a loved one have been exposed to Paraquat and later developed Parkinson’s disease, you may qualify for a Paraquat lawsuit. Call 1-800-525-7111 today for a FREE review of your case to see if you may qualify and for help with how to file a Paraquat lawsuit.
Paraquat Bans Around the World
Many countries have banned the use of Paraquat after discovering the chemical’s link poisoning and Parkinson’s disease, however, many major agricultural nations, including the United States, still allow Paraquat to be used. Given its potential dangers, why is Paraquat still allowed in the U.S.?
What is Paraquat?
Paraquat is a chemical that has been used as an herbicide (weed killer) in both residential groundskeeping and commercial agriculture for over 60 years. As a weed killer, Paraquat is both effective and affordable.
Paraquat is sold under many different brand names, including:
- Paraquat
- Blanco
- Bonfire Herbicide
- Devour
- Firestorm
- Gramaxone
- Helmquat
- Para-SHOT
- Parazone
- Quik-Quat
In 1974, another weed killer hit the market that quickly outpaced Paraquat’s popularity: Roundup. However, Roundup has recently been linked to severe health problems such as non-Hodgkins lymphoma, triggering several countries to ban the use of Roundup in commercial agriculture. As with Paraquat, however, the United States still allows Roundup to be sold and used in U.S. agriculture and groundskeeping.
Since Roundup has been linked to cancer, however, Paraquat has regained popularity, and is often marketed as an alternative to Roundup. However, this resurgence in popularity has raised serious questions about Paraquat’s own safety — especially claims that Paraquat causes Parkinson’s disease.
Bans on Paraquat
In 2007, the European Union banned the use of paraquat following the publication of research concerning its potential links to Parkinson’s disease and overall toxicity to humans. Switzerland also banned the use of Paraquat back in 1989.
Currently, 24 countries have banned or severely restricted the use of Paraquat due to concerns about its effect on the environment and people’s health. Paraquat is still allowed in the United States, however.
The U.S. Still Allows Paraquat to be Used
Despite international bans and growing health concerns, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has continued to overlook potential links between Paraquat and Parkinson’s disease. Currently, Paraquat is still approved for use in the U.S. In October 2020, however, the EPA proposed new safety measures for Paraquat in the United States.
Paraquat cannot be used by just anyone in the United States, however. Due to its toxicity, Paraquat is only available in the United States to commercially licensed users, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
EPA Review of Paraquat
Why is Paraquat still allowed to be used in the U.S? Unfortunately, in 2019 the EPA declared in a draft report on Paraquat that there is “insufficient evidence” to link Paraquat products to human health concerns. The EPA allows Paraquat to be used in the United States under “restricted use.” As of early 2021, the EPA is currently considering renewing its approval for Paraquat in the U.S.
Following an extensive agency review, the EPA noted in 2020 "there is insufficient evidence to link registered paraquat products to any of the health outcomes investigated, including Parkinson’s Disease, when used according to the label."
This conclusion is strongly disputed by significant scientific evidence.
Are There Studies Linking Paraquat to Parkinson’s Disease?
The American Parkinson Disease Association has conducted studies that found an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease in people who have been exposed to pesticides containing paraquat. This includes many people living in rural communities such as:
- Farmers
- People exposed to farm animals
- People who live on farms
- People with known exposure to pesticides
- People who drink well water
- People who live in a rural area
Another study of commonly used pesticides found that Paraquat had a strong association with development of conditions linked to Parkinson’s disease.
Additional studies continue to find strong links between long-term exposure to Paraquat and later onset of Parkinson’s disease.
If you or a loved one have been exposed to Paraquat weed killer and later developed Parkinson’s disease, call Riddle & Brantley at 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE, no-obligation consultation.
You may be entitled to compensation and a Paraquat lawyer at Riddle & Brantley may be able to help you seek justice. As always, there is no upfront cost and you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you in your Paraquat lawsuit.
Call 1-800-525-7111 and let’s review your Paraquat Parkinson’s claim.
Why Should I Hire Riddle & Brantley for My Paraquat Lawsuit?
At Riddle & Brantley, our attorneys and staff have dedicated their careers to making sure our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Since 1985, our attorneys have fought to hold potentially negligent companies accountable for injuries caused by dangerous or defective products. We've recovered more than $600 million in compensation for victims of injury since 2000 alone (see disclaimer below).
Our lawyers have over 225-years of combined legal experience, including extensive experience fighting against chemical manufacturers like those that produce Paraquat.
"This settlement changed me and my family's lives."
-Linda B., Riddle & Brantley client
At Riddle & Brantley, you never pay any attorney fees unless we win money for you. It’s as simple as that.
Call 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE Paraquat lawsuit case review and let’s see how we can help.
You deserve justice and you may be entitled to compensation. Call 1-800-525-7111 and let’s review your claim.
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*** Disclaimer: The results mentioned are intended to illustrate the type of cases handled by the firm. These results do not guarantee a similar outcome, and they should not be construed to constitute a promise or guarantee of a particular result in any particular case. Every case is different, and the outcome of any case depends upon a variety of factors unique to that case.