Los Angeles: Ways You Can Get Exposed to Paraquat

Ways You Can Get Exposed to Paraquat

Paraquat is a powerful, fast-acting herbicide used to control weeds and desiccate crops across California. It is also one of the most toxic chemicals in the world. A single sip can be lethal, and there is no known antidote. Because of its extreme danger, Paraquat is a “restricted use” pesticide, meaning only commercially licensed and trained applicators are legally allowed to handle it.

Despite these restrictions, countless individuals—from farmworkers to families living near agricultural land—have been exposed to this dangerous chemical. A growing body of scientific evidence has linked long-term Paraquat exposure to an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, a devastating and incurable neurological condition.

At Walch Law, we are dedicated to helping those harmed by toxic chemicals understand their rights. Many people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s are now realizing that their illness may be connected to Paraquat exposure they were not even aware of.

Common Pathways for Paraquat Exposure

Exposure to Paraquat can occur through several different pathways, some direct and obvious, others indirect and insidious. The chemical can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, particularly if the skin has cuts or sores.

Direct Handling and Application

The most intense exposure often occurs during the hands-on use of the herbicide.

Mixing and Loading: Individuals who mix the concentrated form of Paraquat with water or other agents before it is loaded into sprayer tanks face a high risk of exposure from spills, splashes, or inhaling concentrated fumes.
Spraying: Applicators who spray Paraquat using backpack sprayers, boom sprayers on tractors, or other equipment can be exposed through direct spray contact or by inhaling aerosolized droplets.
Equipment Maintenance: Cleaning, repairing, or maintaining contaminated sprayer equipment can also lead to significant skin and inhalation exposure.

Indirect and Environmental Exposure

You do not have to handle Paraquat directly to be at risk. Many people are exposed through their environment.

Spray Drift: Paraquat droplets can be carried by the wind from the intended application site to neighboring properties, including homes, schools, and parks. This “drift” can travel significant distances, exposing unsuspecting residents.
Contaminated Soil and Water: The chemical can persist in soil and contaminate groundwater or private wells, leading to exposure through drinking water or contact with contaminated dirt.
Re-entering Treated Fields: Farmworkers who enter fields too soon after a Paraquat application can be exposed through contact with treated plants and soil.
Secondary Exposure (Take-Home): Family members can be exposed when a worker brings home contaminated clothing, shoes, or tools. Washing these items can release Paraquat particles into the home environment.

Who Is Most at Risk of Exposure?

While anyone near a Paraquat application can be exposed, certain groups face a much higher level of risk due to the nature of their work or proximity to its use.

Farmworkers and Agricultural Laborers: This group is on the front lines. They often work directly with the chemical or in recently sprayed fields, sometimes without adequate training or personal protective equipment (PPE).
Licensed Paraquat Applicators: The individuals certified to handle and spray Paraquat have some of the most direct and frequent exposure.
Residents of Agricultural Communities: Families living near farms, vineyards, or orchards where Paraquat is used are at high risk of exposure through spray drift and water contamination.
Landscapers and Groundskeepers: Workers who maintain large commercial properties, golf courses, or utility rights-of-way where Paraquat might be used can also be exposed.

Health Risks Associated with Paraquat

The dangers of Paraquat are well-documented and range from acute poisoning to long-term neurodegenerative disease.

Parkinson’s Disease

The most significant long-term health risk identified in Paraquat litigation is the development of Parkinson’s disease. Numerous scientific studies have found that individuals exposed to Paraquat have a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with this progressive disorder. The theory is that Paraquat induces oxidative stress, which kills off the dopamine-producing brain cells that control movement, leading to the tremors, rigidity, and balance problems characteristic of Parkinson’s.

Acute Poisoning

Immediate exposure to a high dose of Paraquat can cause severe and often fatal poisoning. Symptoms can include:

Pain and swelling of the mouth and throat
Nausea, vomiting, and severe gastrointestinal distress
Kidney failure, liver damage, and heart failure
Lung scarring and respiratory failure

Documenting Your Exposure for a Potential Claim

If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and believe you were exposed to Paraquat, building a legal case requires thorough documentation. An experienced attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence, such as:

Purchase or Work Records: Employment history, pay stubs, or invoices showing work with or near Paraquat.
Applicator Licenses or Certifications: Proof that you were a licensed applicator.
Location History: Proof of residence near farms or other areas where Paraquat was sprayed.
Pesticide Application Records: Reports from neighboring farms or employers detailing their use of Paraquat.
Witness Statements: Testimony from coworkers or neighbors who can confirm your exposure.
Medical Records: A complete record of your Parkinson’s diagnosis and all related medical care.

Legal Considerations in a Paraquat Lawsuit

Filing a lawsuit against a chemical manufacturer is a complex undertaking. Several legal factors come into play:

Defendants: A lawsuit may be filed against the manufacturers (like Syngenta and Chevron), distributors, or, in some cases, the commercial entities that applied the chemical negligently.
Causation: The primary legal battle is to prove that Paraquat exposure was a substantial factor in causing your Parkinson’s disease. This requires robust scientific evidence and expert testimony.
Statutes of Limitations: California has strict deadlines for filing product liability claims. The clock typically starts running from the time you were diagnosed or reasonably should have known your illness was linked to the exposure. It is critical to act quickly.

How Walch Law Can Help

Facing a life-altering diagnosis like Parkinson’s disease is a heavy burden for any family. Taking on a powerful chemical company should not be another. The dedicated legal team at Walch Law is here to shoulder the legal fight for you. We will:

Provide a Free Consultation: We will listen to your story, analyze your exposure history, and give you a clear and honest evaluation of your legal options.
Investigate and Preserve Evidence: We act immediately to secure the records and testimony needed to build a strong foundation for your case.
Work with Leading Experts: We collaborate with top neurologists, toxicologists, and other scientific experts who can connect your exposure to your diagnosis.
Fight for Maximum Compensation: We manage every step of the legal process, from filing the claim to fighting for a settlement or verdict that provides for your medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Contact Us for a Free and Confidential Consultation

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and you suspect a connection to Paraquat exposure, you deserve answers and justice. Do not wait to find out if you qualify for compensation.

Contact the experienced attorneys at Walch Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you understand your rights and fight for the future your family deserves.