Paraquat Exposure and Parkinson’s Disease: Your Right to Compensation
Since it was first introduced in the 1960s, Paraquat has become one of the most widely used herbicides in the U.S. Today, more than 10 million pounds are applied nationwide every year.
While more than 70 countries have banned Paraquat, it remains legal here—including in Alabama, where it is heavily used on cotton, soybeans, and peanuts.
Once sprayed, Paraquat can persist in soil for up to six years, increasing the risk of groundwater contamination and long-term human exposure.
Crops Commonly Treated with Paraquat
Paraquat is applied to dozens of U.S. crops, including:
- Wheat
- Corn
- Soy
- Almonds
- Peanuts
- Garlic
- Cotton
- Artichokes
- Sweet potatoes
- Strawberries
- Pears
- Grapes
- Citrus trees
- Potatoes
- Rice
- Apple trees
- Tobacco (still sprayed today; formerly applied on golf courses until the EPA banned that use)
Brand Names and Products Impacted
Paraquat is sold under many brand names, including:
- Gramoxone (Syngenta)
- Blanco
- Cyclone SL 2.0
- Firestorm
- Helmquat 3SL
- Bonedry
- Devour
- Parazone
- Para-Shot 3.0
The Link Between Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease
Research has shown:
- Living within 1,600 feet of Paraquat application increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease by 75%.
- Agricultural workers regularly exposed face a 250% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s.
Paraquat Poisoning vs. Long-Term Exposure
- Acute Paraquat poisoning: immediate symptoms such as mouth and throat pain, difficulty swallowing, kidney failure, and even death.
- Chronic Paraquat exposure: long-term contact that can lead to the gradual onset of Parkinson’s disease.
Financial Compensation for Victims
Only financial compensation is available for Paraquat exposure victims. Settlements typically range between $10,000 and $100,000, depending on:
- Level and duration of exposure
- Severity of your diagnosis
- Pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
- Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
What Compensation Can Cover
Compensation may provide relief for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income or reduced ability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Impacts on quality of life and life expectancy
How Claims Are Evaluated
Key factors in determining eligibility include:
- When the Parkinson’s diagnosis occurred
- Evidence of Paraquat exposure (direct use or proximity to treated fields)
- The extent and frequency of exposure
- The state where exposure happened—including Alabama, where Paraquat remains a major agricultural herbicide
Let Justice Roll
If you or a loved one were exposed to Paraquat and later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you may qualify for compensation.