Herbicides that have the chemical Paraquat--similar to Gramoxone, Parazone, and Blanco -- have been banned by European Union, China, and Brazil because of their dangerous connection to Parkinson's disease. Paraquat has been employed in America twice as frequently as it has been prohibited, despite numerous studies that have shown its negative side consequences. On average 8 million pounds of Paraquat are used every year on corn, soybeans wheat, as well as other crops in America.
Agriculture workers and activists as well as consumer advocates are calling for accountability from companies selling and producing this dangerous chemical. Many groups like the Michael J. Fox Foundation has also urged Congress for legislation to force the Environmental Protection Agency to ban the herbicide.
If you or someone close to you were exposed to Paraquat Herbicide and then diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, you should schedule an appointment for a no-cost legal consultation with the Law Firm. It is possible that you are entitled to compensation for medical expenses , or similar losses.
What herbicides are known to contain Paraquat
Paraquat is found in many herbicides. The following are the brand names of herbicides that have Paraquat in them:
Blanco
Bonfire
Cyclone
Devour
Firestorm
Gramoxone
Helmquat
Parazone
Para-SHOT
Quik-Quat
VECOL
Research Shows Link Between Paraquat and Parkinson's Disease
Over the last decade, multiple studies have shown that the exposure to Paraquat significantly increases the chance of developing Parkinson's disease.
Since that early study, several reports have revealed similar findings. An National Institute of Health study in recent years discovered that Paraquat exposure led to agricultural workers being 2.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than the people who took it. In addition is a study released next year by the Genetic Modification Association found that certain individuals with specific genetic modifications had a higher likelihood of 11 times develop Parkinson's disease if they were exposed to paraquat herbicide.
More concerning is the fact that Paraquat creates a chemical reaction in the body, which has been linked to Parkinson's. Scientists found that in individuals who had been exposed to Paraquat, the chemical killed some of their cells due to oxidative stress, a reaction which is also observed in people suffering from Parkinson's disease.
These alarming findings have spurred nations across the globe to ban the use of Paraquat. Agricultural workers in America continue to use the herbicide even to this day.
Social activists Demand Congress Ban Paraquat in the US
Paraquat is still allowed to be used on the crops of the United States despite the fact Paraquat has been banned in numerous countries, which includes Brazil, China and Brazil.
Presently, paraquat is a restricted herbicide. That means the average consumer cannot buy it for private use in their gardens. Paraquat is purchased by commercial farmers that have an exclusive license to make use of it.
These restrictions don't protect workers who are spray and are exposed to Paraquat daily. Nor does it protect those who live in areas of agriculture near large farms to which Paraquat is used.