Why Hasnt The Epa Banned The Use Of Paraquat
To this point, the EPAs approach to Paraquat has been influenced by politics. EPA currently is reviewing and reassessing Paraquat, and many of us in the scientific community work continuously to influence the agency to prioritize human and environmental health, as it should.
If you or a loved one were exposed to paraquat and developed Parkinsons disease, you may have the right to take legal action. get a a free paraquat lawsuit review from Milberg. Contact us today.
Dr. Angela Hind
Dr. Hind has served as a medical consultant for several significant legal cases involving environmental toxins and health. In this role, she has been instrumental in researching and identifying scientific data related to health effects of toxic exposures, and assembling teams of renowned subject-matter experts, including research scientists, physicians, industrial hygienists, and toxicologists. She also has provided expertise to clients in interpreting and applying EPA guidelines and Health Advisories on long-term exposure to chemicals and developing clinically-sound medical monitoring programs and health survey instruments for cohorts exposed to environmental toxins, including PFAS, coal ash, arsenic and other contaminants. In 2014 Dr. Hind opened You, M.D., a consulting firm that strives to inform and support attorneys, governmental entities, and patients seeking to understand and work with the intersection between toxins and human health.
The Costs Of Living With Parkinsons
Finding out that you have Parkinsons may come as a shock. Once youve had time to come to terms with your diagnosis, you may want to consider your legal options.
Living with Parkinsons is very expensive. The cost of doctor consultations, hospitalization, medications, and therapies can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars per year. In addition to medical expenses, patients and their families can have costs such as lost wages due to an inability to work, early forced retirement, and family caregiver time. Those who cannot work due to Parkinsons may lose employer-sponsored healthcare benefits and have difficulty qualifying for private coverage because of their Parkinsons.
Paraquat lawsuits can help to ease the financial burden of living with Parkinsons. Syngenta did not warn that being exposed to the herbicide could cause you to develop Parkinsons disease. By filing a paraquat lawsuit, you can hold the manufacturer accountable and make sure that you receive the best care possible.
Secret Files Suggest Chemical Giant Feared Weedkillers Link To Parkinsons Disease
Exclusive: Documents seen by Guardian detail effort to refute scientific research into paraquat and derail nomination of key EPA adviser
For decades, the Swiss chemical giant Syngenta has manufactured and marketed a widely used weedkilling chemical called paraquat, and for much of that time the company has been dealing with external concerns that long-term exposure to the chemical may be a cause of the incurable brain ailment known as Parkinsons disease.
Syngenta has repeatedly told customers and regulators that scientific research does not prove a connection between its weedkiller and the disease, insisting that the chemical does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier, and does not affect brain cells in ways that cause Parkinsons.
But a cache of internal corporate documents dating back to the 1950s reviewed by the Guardian suggests that the public narrative put forward by Syngenta and the corporate entities that preceded it has at times contradicted the companys own research and knowledge.
And though the documents reviewed do not show that Syngentas scientists and executives accepted and believed that paraquat can cause Parkinsons, they do show a corporate focus on strategies to protect product sales, refute external scientific research and influence regulators.
Chevron USA said the company does not believe that had any role in causing the plaintiffs illnesses and will vigorously defend against the allegations in the lawsuits.
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What Are My Options If I Am Experiencing Symptoms Of Parkinsons Following Paraquat Exposure
If you are living with the consequences of exposure to paraquat, you have legal options at your disposal. Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against the makers of paraquat including Chevron Chemical and Syngentabased on the link between Parkinsons disease and exposure to the chemical.
The risks of exposure to paraquat are not based on a simple mistake. There is evidence to suggest that the makers of paraquat were aware of the risks the chemical posed and sold it to the public regardless.
The cost of treating Parkinsons disease can be overwhelming, especially given that those who live with it quickly lose their ability to maintain employment. A civil lawsuit could provide the financial means needed to cover the cost of treating Parkinsons disease and its associated symptoms.
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Is Paraquat Still Used In The Us
Yes, paraquat is still widely used in the United States in spite of its connections to Parkinsons. Although the European Union banned the herbicide in 2007, and China began a phase-out in 2013, paraquat use remains strong in the U.S.
The number of pounds of paraquat used on soybean fields was up by more than fourfold over the past decade, according to 2017 Department of the Interior data. In addition to soybean crops, paraquat is commonly used to kill weeds on cotton, corn, and wheat crops, as well as in orchards. This same data estimates that U.S. farmers currently use more than 10 million pounds of paraquat each year. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research claims that, Despite its well-documented harms, paraquat use in the United States is at an all-time high over the past 25 years. U.S. Geological Survey charts back this claim up and estimate a nearly 300+ percent increase in use between 2009 and 2017.
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What To Do If Youre Affected
If you or a loved one have used Roundup or Paraquat in your lawn care routine, or work often in places that could expose you to these herbicides, and later developed Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, Parkinsons, or another disease, you may be eligible for compensation for the cost youve incurred. You may be able to claim medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of work or wages, and more. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney or a lawyer familiar with herbicide personal injury lawsuits for help.
Risk Of Paraquat Poisoning
This report revealed scientific studies finding that “paraquat increases the likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease.” In addition, the study found a correlation between the toxic chemical and the increased risk of paraquat poisoning and oxidative stress.
In other research by the same team, farmworkers had an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease if exposed to toxic paraquat herbicides for five or more years. This toxic herbicide is widely used and often causes harmful side effects on those exposed to it. Those with Parkinson’s disease should avoid exposure at all costs.
A study conducted in New York as part of the Agricultural Health Study examined whether or not exposure to pesticides, including Paraquat, was connected to Parkinson’s disease.
The study concluded that although there was an association between using the chemical and contracting Parkinson’s disease, other factors might be contributing to this link.
However, that evidence was insufficient to implicate the dangerous chemical as the cause of Parkinson’s disease in humans.
More research is necessary to determine why farmers who use this herbicide are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease. Still, we know that the link exists due to animal and human studies.
This link between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease should draw serious attention. In addition, farmers should consider using other pesticides that don’t have such harmful side effects.
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File A Paraquat Claim With The Help Of Atraxia Law
With over 35 years of experience in assessing personal injury and product liability claims nationwide, the team of experts at Atraxia Law will carefully evaluate your situation and let you know whether you are eligible for filing a paraquat claim.
The process is quite complex and it will require minimal involvement on your part and a family member can help you with the process. We are aware that people who struggle with Parkinsons disease often have difficulty in clearly explaining their circumstances of paraquat exposure.
We will assess your circumstances of exposure, as well as other essential aspects that will determine whether you qualify for filing a paraquat claim, such as the severity of your brain disorder and the medical expenses incurred by it. Eventually, you will know with certainty whether you are eligible for filing a paraquat claim.
We will subsequently guide you to a lawyer whose main area of practice is toxic exposure so that you can obtain the financial compensation you are entitled to from the liable manufacturers. For additional information, please feel free to contact us and we will gladly answer your questions.
Is There A Cure For Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease is chronic and incurable. Its symptoms, however, can be treated and managed to improve your quality of life after being diagnosed. For example, speech therapists can help mitigate the diseases impact on your speech. Similarly, physical therapy can help with balance and mobility issues.
Your health care professional can also prescribe medications to help alleviate symptoms. They include medications that:
- Your brain can turn into dopamine
- Treat persistent nausea
- Mimic dopamines effects
- Prevent dopamine loss
Because symptoms can worsen over time and medications can become less effective, your doctor may change or alter prescriptions over time. They might also recommend specialized surgery to provide deep brain stimulation.
Acceptance, coping, and family support will play an important role in how your lifestyle is affected after you develop Parkinsons disease. The goal of your treatment plan is to manage Parkinsons symptoms since the disease has no known cure.
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Glyphosate : Lawsuits Claiming Herbicide Paraquat Causes Parkinsons Move Forward
Lawyers and activists who allege that the weed killer glyphosate causes cancer have moved on to a second target: another herbicide called paraquat. Claiming this chemical can cause Parkinsons Disease, these courtroom crusaders are now suing the herbicides manufacturers in pursuit of another payday. The science is not on their side.
For the better part of six years, anti-GMO groups circled the wagons around a single message: the weed killer Roundup causes cancer, specifically Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma . Their efforts culminated in roughly 100,000 lawsuits against Bayer. The biotech giant lost the first three cases that went to trial. Though the damages were substantially reduced in each instance, the company is still on the hook for millions of dollars and is trying to settle the remaining cases.
With the Roundup gravy train potentially running out of steam, the lawyers and activists are moving on to a new target, the herbicide paraquat. There are 157 cases against Syngenta and Chevron pending in state and federal courts. The suits allege that these companies failed to warn their customers that paraquat exposure could cause Parkinsons Disease , a nervous system disorder whose symptoms grow progressively more severe over time.
A familiar pattern
The opposition to glyphosate was clearly the first part of a long-term campaign against synthetic pesticides, as anti-GMO activist Gary Ruskin :
Where things stand
What Is Parkinsons Disease What Are Its Symptoms
Parkinsons disease is a chronic and progressing neurologic disorder that affects approximately 1 million people in the U.S. It results from the degeneration or dying off of certain cells, called dopaminergic neurons, which are located in the substantia nigra portion of the brain.
Parkinsons is called a movement disorder because some of the most common symptoms are tremors, and the slowing and stiffening of movements. However, symptoms can be different in different people. Other symptoms can include loss of coordination, loss of smell, speech problems, chronic constipation, fatigue, and excessive sweating.
Tell your doctor if you have any symptoms that are of concern to you.
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Talk To An Attorney About Your Paraquat Exposure
There is more to learn about the link between paraquat and Parkinsons disease. While doctors are still working to fully understand the link, there is little doubt that paraquat exposure could cause Parkinsons disease. This debilitating illness could have a lasting impact on your health and quality of life.
If you are living with Parkinsons following exposure to paraquat, now is the time to seek legal help. Jim Parrish can evaluate your case and help you understand the legal options in front of you. At the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, we are prepared to assist you in building a case against the manufacturers of this dangerous herbicide. Call as soon as possible for a free consultation.
What Other Diseases Does Paraquat Cause
While its association with Parkinsons disease is one of the main reasons why advocacy groups are calling for a paraquat ban, aside from PD, paraquat is also linked to several other health risks. Other diseases that paraquat can cause are listed below.
- Lung scarring: Long-term exposure to paraquat may lead to lung scarring or pulmonary fibrosis. This condition makes breathing become increasingly difficult as it progresses.
- Immunotoxicity: Paraquat can cause adverse effects on the functioning of the immune system. Its immunotoxic effect has been observed in both human and animal studies.
- Birth defects: Parental exposure to paraquat during the first or second trimester increases the risk for preterm birth and is also linked to numerous birth defects, such as genital malformations.
- Heart problems: In rare cases, one may survive severe paraquat poisoning, but they will most likely suffer from its long-term health effects, including heart problems. Paraquat may decrease blood flow to the heart and may worsen cardiovascular performance for individuals with existing heart conditions.
- Kidney damage: Once it enters the body, paraquat first travels to the kidneys. And since it is the main organ that is responsible for excreting toxins like paraquat from the body, the adverse effects of the toxic chemical on the kidney comes as no surprise.
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How Exposure To Paraquat Occurs
People can be exposed to paraquat in several ways. However, the CDC warns that the most common exposure comes from ingestion. People who eat food, drink water, or consume other beverages contaminated with paraquat might not realize they are consuming the toxic substance if they are exposed to a form without the blue dye. Those who inhale paraquat also face exposure. This isnt as common but has occurred for cannabis users. In recent decades, marijuana growers have used paraquat, putting those who smoke in danger of exposure. Finally, contact with the skin also leads to exposure, especially if contact lasts for a long time, involves a high concentration of paraquat, or enters the body through a wound, rash, or cut. For example, workers who get paraquat on their clothing can transfer it to furniture in their homes, putting the entire household at risk for exposure.
Scientific Studies Linking Paraquat To Parkinsons Disease
The acute toxic effects of the herbicide paraquat are not disputed. EPA states unequivocally that, One Sip Can Kill. Deaths have occurred from accidental and intentional ingestion. In South Korea, parqauat is commonly used to commit suicide. Paraquat poisoning can also lead to heart, kidney, and liver failure, lung scarring, respiratory failure, seizures, and other severe side effects.
More is being learned about the effects of chronic exposure to paraquat in relatively low doses, such as the amounts experienced by agriculture workers and those who eat food with paraquat residue.
There is strong scientific evidence linking paraquat to Parkinsons disease. Research published in 2011 known as the Farming and Movement Evaluation study found that people who use paraquat are two and a half times, or 250% more likely to develop Parkinsons.
Another study found that people exposed to paraquat as a teen or young adult had an increased risk of Parkinsons of 200 to 600 percent, depending on how many years they were exposed.
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What Is The Link Between Parkinsons Disease And Paraquat
The process of linking paraquat to Parkinsons disease has been long and drawn-out. Research suggesting a link between the herbicide and Parkinsons disease began more than a decade ago. Attention was drawn to this issue thanks to Environmental Health Perspectives. This study shows that American farmers using paraquat are twice as likely to develop Parkinsons disease compared to farmers that do not.
There is also research from Louisiana State University concluding that mere proximity to the fields using paraquat could impact a persons chances of developing symptoms of Parkinsons disease. The study reviewed the zip code of an individual and correlated it to proximity to crops that were treated with paraquat. The LSU study shows a plain link between the heavy use of paraquat and an increased risk in developing Parkinsons disease.
Scientists are still learning about the connection between paraquat and Parkinsons disease. Many of the studies on the relationship between this chemical and Parkinsons disease have noted that paraquat kills dopamine-producing brain cells. This could result in the serious consequences that many people are now facing.
The Link Between Paraquat And Parkinsons Disease
Science shows paraquat is extremely dangerous. Research indicates that exposure to paraquat significantly increases the risk of Parkinsons disease.
Parkinsons disease is a brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance and coordination. Parkinsons symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse over time.
Low-level exposure to paraquat disrupts cells in a way that mimics the effects of mutations known to cause Parkinsons disease.
Are you or a loved one suffering from Parkinsons disease after being exposed to Paraquat? You may be entitled to compensation. Call 1-800-355-6446 or for a free case review.
Timeline of Paraquats connection to Parkinsons Disease:
Research linking Paraquat to Parkinsons disease dates back to 2009.
People exposed to these chemicals are at about a 250 percent higher risk of developing Parkinsons disease than the rest of the population. Professor Scott Ryan, 2018
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