Overview

Scientists have long known that paraquat, also known as Gramoxone, is toxic. Paraquat is so toxic, in fact, that a single sip of the herbicide can kill an adult. But in recent years, evidence has accumulated showing that repeated exposure to paraquat in low doses may be linked to the development of Parkinson’s disease. According to one study, exposure to paraquat increases the risk of Parkinson’s by 150 percent.

More than 60 countries have banned the use of paraquat. Despite growing health concerns and legal challenges over the herbicide’s connection to Parkinson’s the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has done little to restrict its use.

With paraquat use increasing in the U.S., agricultural workers and farmers continue to face exposure risks. Many have already filed lawsuits claiming that they developed Parkinson’s disease as a result of exposure to Paraquat and that Paraquat manufacturer Syngenta failed to warn about this serious risk.

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