Making a connection between your symptoms and paraquat exposure is not always easy. This is because the popular weed killer can cause both short- and long-term health effects. Even a farmworker or certified applicator who has prolonged exposure to paraquat can develop symptoms without realizing what the underlying cause is.
Paraquat, otherwise known as paraquat dichloride, is a highly toxic herbicide that has been linked to Parkinson’s disease. In fact, several farmers have already filed a paraquat poisoning lawsuit after chronic exposure to the weed killer has caused them to develop Parkinson’s disease.
And although agricultural workers have a greater risk for paraquat exposure, recent studies have found that even individuals who live near agricultural areas where paraquat is being sprayed can also fall victim to its effects.
Knowing if you have been exposed to paraquat may not always be easy, but it is not impossible. Read on to learn more how you can tell if you have been exposed to paraquat along with the signs and symptoms to watch out for.
What are the symptoms of paraquat exposure?
The symptoms of paraquat exposure can present almost immediately while other signs can take several days or weeks to show up.
The short-term symptoms of paraquat exposure are listed below.
- Burning pain and swelling of the mouth and throat
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting blood
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Confusion
Other signs that may take longer to show up include:
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Lung failure
- Confusion
- Muscle weakness
- Burns in the esophagus
- Inflammation of the chest cavity
- Respiratory failure, potentially leading to death
Experiencing these symptoms does not necessarily mean that an individual has been exposed to the toxic chemical. However, this is likely to be the case if a person works with paraquat or lives near an agricultural area where the herbicide is being used.
Therefore, it is important to be well-informed about the potential signs and symptoms of exposure to paraquat, as prompt medical attention is important for survival. However, chances of survival may also depend on the amount absorbed by the skin, inhaled, or ingested.
And even though a person has managed to survive paraquat poisoning, it is impossible to recover without some life-changing damage.
Chronic Health Effects of Paraquat
There are adverse health effects that can result from long-term exposure to paraquat. These symptoms do not subside long after the exposure has stopped. The chronic health effects of paraquat are listed below:
- Parkinson’s disease: Studies have found an increased risk for Parkinsons’ disease in agricultural workers or residents who have a history of exposure to paraquat. This possible link between the chemical and the brain disorder has also been observed in animal studies.
- Reproductive health problems: Paraquat is considered as a potential endocrine disruptor. This means that it affects the body’s hormones, causing a decline in semen quality, birth defects in children, and other developmental disorders.
- Respiratory defects: Evidence exists that occupational exposure to herbicides is associated with impaired lung function. Chronic paraquat exposure can also cause abnormalities in gas exchange in the lung.
- Genotoxicity: Research has found that paraquat can induce DNA damage. Other studies also suggest that leukemia in children is associated with exposure of their mothers to paraquat.
- Immunotoxicity: Paraquat has immunotoxic effects. Lower doses of the substance have been found to alter immune responses. On the other hand, higher concentrations can result in a loss of immune function.
- Kidney damage: Over the last decade, agricultural workers in Central America suffered from an epidemic of chronic kidney disease. Although the exact cause is not known, pesticides are believed to be a contributing factor.
What are the treatments for paraquat poisoning?
Paraquat is a poison with no known antidote. The high rates of death due to paraquat poisoning are in part due to the lack of widely accepted guidelines on how to treat patients with paraquat self-poisoning.
Treatment mainly involves removing the poison from the body and managing other symptoms. The treatments for paraquat poisoning are listed below.
- Activated charcoal to minimize further absorption, also recommended for patients who present within one hour following ingestion of paraquat
- Fuller’s earth, also given to minimize absorption and is given to patients who have a protected airway
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which can reduce inflammatory response in human lung cultures. The use of NAC in animal studies has also resulted in increased chances of survival after paraquat poisoning.
- Intubation and ventilation during acute stage
What is involved in filing a paraquat claim?
Filing a claim involves meeting certain eligibility criteria, including significant to and a Parkinson’s diagnosis. It is also worth noting that these cases have a statute of limitations or deadline that depend on the state where the potential plaintiff resides.
The majority of people who have had significant to are agricultural workers such as farmworkers. However, other groups of people who were significantly exposed to the may also be eligible to file a , including tank fillers, chemical mixers, and pesticide applicators.
Finally, individuals who reside near farming communities where is being used may also qualify to file a claim. One study found that within 1,600 feet of a home can cause an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s by up to 75%.
What type of compensation is available for victims of paraquat exposure?
If the paraquat lawyers we closely work with determine that you have a case against paraquat manufacturers, you may receive financial compensation for:
- Lost income or wages
- Medical costs incurred after receiving a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis
- Pain and suffering due to your diagnosis
The total amount of financial compensation each plaintiff may receive also depends on a number of factors, including:
- Total settlement amount
- The extent of damage to the plaintiff
- Proof of individual damages
- Other legal factors
Do you qualify for a paraquat lawsuit?
Parkinson’s disease can negatively impact one’s quality of life. It can cause significant impairments in a patient’s physical and social functioning, causing difficulty in everyday activities such as eating, dressing, bathing, and even walking.
Someone diagnosed with PD faces a multitude of challenges throughout the disease, including increased risk of falls, hospitalization, financial issues, and dental health problems.
We also understand that the premise of joining a legal battle against paraquat manufacturers may be overwhelming at first, especially when you are struggling with Parkinson’s disease. But that is where we come in — we are here to take that pressure off of you so that you can focus on your top priority — getting better.
If you have a history of paraquat exposure and you have subsequently developed Parkinson’s disease as a result, you may be entitled to seek compensation.
Contact us today and we will put you in touch with a reliable and experienced paraquat lawyer who can evaluate your claim and determine if you qualify to file a paraquat lawsuit.
