EPA to Reassess Paraquat Safety: What It Means for Farmers and Families

For decades, American farmers have relied on herbicides to protect their crops and livelihoods. One of the most potent chemicals in their arsenal is Paraquat, a widely used weed killer known for its effectiveness—and its extreme toxicity. However, a recent announcement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signals a major shift in how the government views this controversial chemical.

The EPA has announced that it will reassess the safety of Paraquat, requiring manufacturers to provide concrete proof that current uses are safe under real-world conditions. This decision comes amidst growing concern and mounting legal pressure regarding the herbicide’s alleged link to Parkinson’s disease.

At Walch Law, we know that many agricultural workers are already suffering the consequences of long-term Paraquat exposure. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after working with this chemical, this new development is critical. It validates the serious concerns raised by victims and highlights the importance of holding manufacturers accountable.

What Is Paraquat?

Paraquat dichloride (commonly sold under the brand name Gramoxone by Syngenta) is a restricted-use herbicide. Because it is highly toxic upon ingestion—a single sip can be fatal—it is not available for residential use. However, it remains a staple in commercial agriculture, particularly for clearing fields of weeds before planting crops like soybeans, corn, and cotton.

Despite being banned in over 70 countries, including the European Union and China, Paraquat remains legal in the United States. Its use has actually increased in recent years as weeds have developed resistance to other common herbicides like glyphosate (Roundup).

The Link Between Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease

While the acute dangers of Paraquat poisoning are well-known, the long-term neurological risks have become the center of a massive legal battle. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed across the U.S. alleging that chronic exposure to Paraquat causes Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement. It occurs when neurons in the brain that produce dopamine—a chemical messenger responsible for motor control—die or become impaired.

Why Do Plaintiffs Believe Paraquat Is to Blame?

Oxidative Stress: Scientific research suggests that Paraquat creates “oxidative stress” in cells. This biological process can damage or kill the specific dopamine-producing neurons that are lost in Parkinson’s patients.
Epidemiological Studies: Various studies have found higher rates of Parkinson’s disease in rural populations and agricultural workers who handle pesticides.
Similar Chemical Structure: Paraquat has a chemical structure strikingly similar to MPTP, a toxic compound known to cause permanent Parkinson’s-like symptoms in humans.

Despite these concerns, manufacturers like Syngenta have steadfastly denied a causal link, arguing that there is “no credible evidence” connecting their product to the disease.

The EPA’s New Stance: A Turning Point?

The EPA’s announcement represents a significant development. By stating that it will “reassess the safety” of Paraquat, the agency is acknowledging that previous evaluations may not have fully captured the risks faced by farmers and applicators.

Lee Zeldin, the EPA administrator, stated that the agency is now requiring manufacturers to “thoroughly prove” that Paraquat is safe in real-world scenarios. This shifts the burden back onto the companies profiting from this chemical.

What Does This Reassessment Mean?

Stricter Scrutiny: Manufacturers will likely face rigorous demands for data regarding how Paraquat affects human health over decades of use, not just acute exposure.
Potential Regulatory Changes: Depending on the findings, the EPA could impose stricter regulations, require new safety warnings, or potentially move toward a ban, bringing the U.S. in line with dozens of other nations.
Validation for Victims: For the thousands of families already fighting in court, this reassessment suggests that the federal government is no longer taking the manufacturers’ safety assurances at face value.

Why Legal Representation Is Crucial Right Now

If you have worked with Paraquat and are now struggling with Parkinson’s disease, the EPA’s announcement is a hopeful sign—but it is not a guarantee of compensation. The legal battle against massive agrochemical giants is ongoing, and they will continue to fight every claim aggressively.

Syngenta and other manufacturers have deep pockets and legal teams dedicated to discrediting the science linking their product to neurological damage. You simply cannot face them alone.

How Walch Law Can Help

An experienced product liability attorney is essential to navigating these complex cases. Here is how we support our clients:

Establishing Exposure: We help you document your history of Paraquat use, whether you mixed, loaded, or sprayed the chemical, or worked in fields where it was applied.
Connecting the Diagnosis: We work with medical experts to demonstrate the link between your chemical exposure and your Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Monitoring Federal Updates: We stay on the cutting edge of regulatory changes, including this new EPA reassessment, to strengthen your case with the latest government findings.
Fighting for Damages: We pursue full compensation for your medical care, lost wages, and the profound pain and suffering caused by this incurable disease.

Do Not Wait to Protect Your Rights

The window to file a claim is often limited by statutes of limitations. As the EPA reevaluates the safety of Paraquat, more victims are likely to come forward, and the legal landscape will continue to evolve. You need a dedicated advocate in your corner today.

If you were exposed to Paraquat and developed Parkinson’s disease, you deserve answers and justice. You worked hard to feed our country; you shouldn’t have to pay for it with your health.

Contact Walch Law today for a free, confidential consultation. We will review your case at no cost to you and help you understand your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. Let us fight for you.