Paraquat is a toxic herbicide and is widely used in the agricultural industry. Though it is one of the most common weed killers, paraquat has been linked with poisoning that causes Parkinson’s disease. People who get exposed to paraquat and experience the symptoms of the disease must hire a paraquat lawsuit lawyer to represent them legally and get them the compensation they deserve. If you are still unaware of what this is all about, here is everything you need to know about paraquat poisoning.
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How Does Paraquat Poisoning Happen?
The most common reason behind paraquat poisoning is ingestion. Consuming the food items that are contaminated with this chemical can cause paraquat poisoning. Exposure to the skin or inhalation can also cause the same. When it is sprayed on the crops, it eventually dries, and the toxic fumes from the dried-up residue, when inhaled by anyone, can experience the symptoms of poisoning. Though the applicators and farm workers wear masks during the spray application, there’s a strong possibility of them getting exposed to this harmful chemical.
How To Identify The Paraquat Exposure?
Due to its extreme toxicity, paraquat has been outlawed in numerous countries, and its usage in the United States is restricted to licensed applicators only. Paraquat overdose can result in short-term acute respiratory discomfort, and it has been connected to Parkinson’s disease. Although paraquat poisoning is uncommon in the general public these days, you’re likely to be exposed if you work in landscaping or are a licensed applicator. You may have already been poisoned without realizing it.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), unlawfully transferring paraquat to beverage containers and mistakenly drinking the herbicide has resulted in 1-2 deaths per year. To reduce the illicit transfer of the toxin into other containers, the EPA had proposed new packaging regulations under its risk mitigation strategy in 2016.
How To Determine The Dangerous Levels Of Paraquat Exposure?
Numerous studies have linked paraquat exposure to Parkinson’s disease.
Even in small concentrations, it is very poisonous and potentially lethal. If you’ve ever handled paraquat without wearing protective gear like gloves, goggles, and a mask, there’s a possibility that you have inhaled a hazardous amount of the toxin. Even if you haven’t shown any signs of illness, you should watch your wellness and get yourself checked up for any potential symptoms.
How To Know Whether You Are Exposed To The Paraquat Or Not?
As mentioned earlier, there are different ways you can get exposed to paraquat, but it may not be clear whether you are exposed to the toxin or not. Here are some of the ways you can identify whether you are exposed to it or not:
1. The Appearance And Smell
Paraquat is treated with a blue dye to avoid being confused with other beverages and easily identified. It has a strong, pungent smell that can be easily recognized as a familiar smell of most toxic chemicals. If you have already worked with a blue herbicide with a strong smell, there’s a strong possibility that it was paraquat. If you didn’t wear any protective gear, chances are you are exposed to this toxic weed killer.
2. Physical Symptoms
It might take a few minutes to a few hours to see the symptoms of paraquat poisoning. Here are some of those symptoms:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Chest pain
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Faster heartbeats
- Dehydration
- Low blood pressure
The long-term symptoms include failures of the respiratory system, liver, and kidney. If any of these symptoms occur right after coming in contact with any herbicides, it’s best to get medical assistance as soon as possible.
How Does One Qualify For The Paraquat Lawsuit?
Though paraquat has been banned in more than 32 countries worldwide, its usage is still legal in the U.S. It’s also alarming that the use of the paraquat has been steadily rising since the last few years. In such time, there are numerous lawsuits filed against the company owners.
As the fieldworkers, people who spray the herbicide, truck drivers, and other individuals who work on farms are more likely to get paraquat poisoning. The people who live around the farms that spray this toxin also risk getting poisoned due to the effects of pesticide drift. If any of your loved ones think they have come in direct or indirect contact with this toxicity, you need to hire a paraquat lawsuit lawyer to represent you and get a fair settlement and compensation.
Paraquat herbicide has caused numerous positioning cases across the U.S. That is why it is facing the rage of the masses. Make sure you hire the right attorney so that you have the best chances to win the case.