According to a recent study initiated by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), low-income Latino workers are most at risk for paraquat exposure, a concern that has sparked significant legal action and is reflected in the growing number of paraquat lawsuit cases. California is the only state with readily available data on paraquat use. Between 2017 and 2021, farmers sprayed 5.3 million pounds of the herbicide on California fields. Latinos constitute about 96 percent of farmworkers in the state. Similarly, farmers sprayed 65 percent of the chemicals used over the period on sections located in low-income census areas. As such, it is no wonder that low-income Latino communities are at disproportionate risk for health impacts associated with the substance.
Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide. It is a threat to the environment and a danger to the health and well-being of communities. Upon exposure, one may develop immediate and severe symptoms, including respiratory distress, gastrointestinal issues, and kidney failure. Long-term exposure can lead to lung damage, Parkinson’s disease, and increased cancer risk. Unfortunately, there is no known antidote for paraquat poisoning; one small accidental sip can be fatal. To prevent exposure and ingestion and protect its agricultural workers, the U.S. needs to enact measures such as a ban on paraquat.
The Link Between Paraquat and Parkinson’s
Several studies suggest that there are strong scientific links between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease. Some research shows that the chemical can increase the risk of Parkinson’s by 150 percent.
Workers who spray paraquat are twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s as those who use other pesticides. Exposure to paraquat leads to the damage and loss of dopamine-producing neurons. This in turn results in a drop in dopamine levels, something that contributes to Parkinson’s disease. However, Syngenta, the company that manufactures the weed-killing chemical, has repeatedly denied the connection between its weed killer and the disease.
How Low-Income Latinos Are Disproportionately at Risk
There have been numerous cases of chemical-related injuries and illnesses among agricultural workers. The EWG study reveals that paraquat exposure disproportionately harms low-income Latino workers in California. This is because they experience relatively higher levels of exposure to the chemical. There are several reasons for this.
- The majority of low-paid farmworkers in the state are Latino, meaning they are directly exposed to the chemicals, especially when not provided with adequate protection.
- The Latino farmworkers live in nearby communities. These workers can get the chemical on their clothes and bring it to their homes, thereby exposing their families.
- Two-thirds of paraquat applications in the state were concentrated in five agricultural counties, which are mostly inhabited by low-income Latino communities.
- You do not have to be a farmer or pesticide applicator to be at risk. The substance stays in the dirt and moves through the air. As such, if you reside near paraquat-treated fields, you can experience exposure and suffer harm.
California Counties With the Highest Paraquat Usage
Between 2017 and 2021, 10 counties in California saw a large portion of the 5.3 million pounds of sprayed paraquat. Among them, only five counties had the highest exposure, representing 66 percent of the state’s total paraquat use. These are some of California’s top agricultural counties, producing fruit and nut crops. They are:
- Kern County – 1,219,140 lbs. of paraquat sprayed
- Kings County – 972,351 lbs. of paraquat sprayed
- Fresno County – 714,748 lbs. of paraquat sprayed
- Tulare County – 321,225 lbs. of paraquat sprayed
- Merced County – 307,014 lbs. of paraquat sprayed
Why Paraquat Isn’t Yet Banned
According to a faulty 2019 Environmental Protection Agency report, there is no sufficient evidence that paraquat causes human issues. This is why the chemical is not banned in the United States.
Over the years, the EPA has ignored evidence that paraquat is dangerous and how studies link the use of the substance to Parkinson’s development. The regulatory agency not only dismisses the growing body of research but also the risks that have emerged from legal actions against the herbicide manufacturers. In essence, the EPA fails to consider the health and environmental costs of paraquat use in communities, particularly frontline communities. Â
In defending its continued approval of the herbicide, EPA argues that the economic benefits of using paraquat outweigh the health risks associated with it.
Countries With a Paraquat Ban
Commercial agriculture areas have primarily utilized paraquats for decades. However, as studies showing evidence of potential risks emerged, several countries found it necessary to restrict or ban the toxic chemicals. Today, a total of 67 countries across the world have a paraquat ban in place. These measures aim to limit exposure to the substance and promote safe application practices. However, the United States still allows the use of paraquat by commercially licensed users.
When to File a Paraquat Lawsuit
If paraquat endangers you or your loved one, you can take legal action against the party at fault. You can either file a lawsuit or join a class action. However, it is important to find out if you qualify for the lawsuit. You should be eligible for a paraquat lawsuit:
- Repeated exposure to paraquat is common among farmers and agricultural workers.
- If you believe your Parkinson’s diagnosis is due to paraquat exposure, seek legal advice.
Apart from farmers and agricultural workers, other common paraquat plaintiffs are:
- Factory workers
- Employees licensed to apply paraquat
- Residents near paraquat-utilizing farms.
- Surviving family members who file a wrongful death lawsuit after losing a loved one to complications from paraquat exposure seek justice and accountability for their loss.
In California, you and your attorney have two years from the date of injury or discovery of injury to file a paraquat lawsuit.
Contact an Attorney Today
If you suspect paraquat exposure caused your Parkinson’s, contact us for a free case evaluation today. A knowledgeable and experienced attorney will assist you in holding the herbicide’s manufacturer accountable. The legal expert will help you understand your rights, navigate the complexities of such suits, and recover fair compensation for your damages.
If paraquat exposure led to your Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, you may qualify for financial compensation. The resourceful legal team at Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers is here to help. We will assist in determining if you are eligible and help you pursue compensation for your damages. Complete the form on our contact page today to request a free consultation, or call us at (800)718-4658 for immediate assistance. We will not charge you any fee unless and until we recover compensation for you.
Jeffrey Nadrich
Jeffrey Nadrich is a nationally-recognized California plaintiff’s personal injury attorney. He is a graduate of UC Berkeley and UC Hastings College of the Law. He has successfully represented thousands of injury clients over the last 40 years.
