Who Is Most Likely to Get Paraquat Exposure and Parkinson’s?

Paraquat is a powerful, highly toxic herbicide used to control weeds and unwanted vegetation in agricultural and commercial settings.# Who Is Most Likely to Get Paraquat Exposure and Parkinson’s?

Paraquat is a powerful, highly toxic herbicide used to control weeds and unwanted vegetation in agricultural and commercial settings. Because of its toxicity, it is classified as a “Restricted Use Pesticide” in California, meaning only licensed professionals can purchase and apply it. A growing body of scientific research and thousands of lawsuits allege a strong link between exposure to Paraquat and the development of Parkinson’s disease, a progressive and incurable neurodegenerative disorder.

Understanding who is most at risk is the first step toward recognizing a potential connection and seeking help. This guide explains the highest-risk groups, how exposures happen, and the critical next steps for you and your family. At Walch Law, we provide free, confidential consultations for those affected by this devastating illness. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure a financial recovery for you.

Highest-Risk Groups for Paraquat Exposure

While anyone exposed can be at risk, certain occupations and situations carry a much higher likelihood of significant contact with Paraquat.

Licensed Applicators, Mixers, and Loaders: This is the highest-risk group. These individuals handle the concentrated chemical directly. This includes custom applicators who work for multiple farms, as well as helicopter and boom sprayer crews who apply the herbicide over large areas of row crops, orchards, and vineyards.
Farmworkers: Even if they don’t spray Paraquat themselves, farmworkers face significant risk in the same way they are at risk for the issues that also accompany Roundup exposure. This includes hand crews, irrigators, pruners, and harvesters who may work in or near fields recently treated with Paraquat. They can be exposed through spray “drift” on windy days or by re-entering a field before the required safety interval has passed.
Groundskeepers and Landscapers: While less common, Paraquat may be used for total vegetation control along utility corridors, railroad rights-of-way, and other large non-agricultural areas. Maintenance staff in these roles can face exposure risks similar to agricultural workers.
Maintenance and Cleanup Staff: Workers who clean and maintain contaminated spray equipment, vehicles, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can be exposed to chemical residues.
Residents Near Frequently Treated Fields: People who live in close proximity to farms or orchards where Paraquat is regularly applied are at risk of chronic, low-dose exposure from spray drift that can settle on their homes and property over time. Wind patterns and the distance from the field are key factors.

How Do These Exposures Happen?

Exposure isn’t just about being near a field during spraying. It can occur in many ways, often due to inadequate safety measures or equipment failure.

Direct skin contact or inhalation during mixing and loading, especially from spills.
Inhaling spray drift on windy days.
Being sprayed directly due to broken hoses, faulty nozzles, or operator error.
Wearing inadequate or improperly maintained PPE.
Re-entering a treated field before the mandatory Re-entry Interval (REI) has expired.
Bringing contaminated clothing, boots, or tools into a vehicle or home, leading to secondary exposure for family members.
Cleaning contaminated equipment without proper protection.

California’s strict regulations require licensed applicators to keep detailed records of Paraquat use, but compliance failures can and do happen. Employers have a duty to provide a safe workplace, including proper training, equipment, and enforcement of safety protocols.

Early Signs to Watch For

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease often start subtly and worsen over time. It is vital to see a neurologist for an accurate diagnosis if you experience these signs.

Motor Symptoms: These are the classic movement-related signs, including a tremor in a hand or limb at rest, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), limb stiffness or rigidity, and problems with balance and coordination.
Non-Motor Clues: Many patients experience these issues years before a motor diagnosis. They include a loss of sense of smell, chronic constipation, and REM sleep behavior disorder (physically acting out dreams).
Cognitive and Mood Changes: Unexplained anxiety, depression, apathy, or “brain fog” can also be early indicators.
Acute Contact Reactions: Immediate, high-dose exposure (like a spill on the skin) can cause severe chemical burns, rashes, and eye damage. Ingestion can be fatal.

Documenting Your Exposure History

If you suspect a link between your Parkinson’s diagnosis and Paraquat, building a detailed exposure history is the most important part of a potential legal claim. Start gathering:

Work logs, employment records, and pay stubs.
Pesticide applicator licenses, training certificates, and records of continuing education.
Copies of any restricted materials permits.
Spray records showing the date, product, application rate, and weather conditions.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) or product labels.
Photos or videos of you working near the chemical.
Contact information for co-workers or other witnesses who can verify your work and exposure.
A detailed journal tracking your symptoms and their onset.

Who May Have a Legal Claim?

To file a successful lawsuit, a person generally needs two things: a formal diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease or parkinsonism from a qualified neurologist, and a credible, documented history of Paraquat exposure. The groups listed above are most likely to meet this standard. A case based only on speculative exposure (e.g., “I lived in a farming county”) without specific proof is much more difficult to pursue.

Deadlines and the Legal Process

Strict deadlines, called statutes of limitation, apply to all injury claims. In California, the “discovery rule” means the clock typically starts when you are diagnosed and have reason to suspect your illness was caused by Paraquat. It is essential to contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights. An experienced lawyer can advise on the best venue for your case, whether it is the federal Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) or California state court. Never give a recorded statement to any corporate or insurance representative.

How Walch Law Can Help

You should not have to fight a legal battle against a giant chemical company while also managing a serious illness. Make sure you find the best Los Angeles Paraquat law firm for you and your family. Our team is here to lift that burden. We will:

Provide a free, comprehensive case screening to evaluate your exposure history.
Engage our network of leading experts in neurology, toxicology, and industrial hygiene.
Lead the effort to collect all necessary records and evidence.
Develop a powerful legal strategy to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Aggressively negotiate any medical liens to maximize the amount of money you receive.
Offer compassionate support and clear communication throughout the entire process.

Contact Us for a Free and Confidential Consultation- Winning Los Angeles Paraquat Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and you suspect Paraquat exposure is the cause, you deserve answers. Contact Walch Law today to learn about your legal rights and options.