Paraquat dichloride lurks is a highly toxic herbicide that continues to be used on farms across the United States, despite being banned in 70 countries worldwide. While marketed as an effective tool for controlling unwanted vegetation, paraquat’s extreme toxicity makes it a silent killer, capable of causing severe illness or death even with minimal exposure. If you or a loved one has suffered health complications due to paraquat poisoning, it is essential to seek medical care immediately and find out how an attorney for Paraquat lawsuits can help protect your rights.
How Does Paraquat Poisoning Happen?
Modern paraquat products contain safeguards to prevent poisoning: a strong odor, a blue dye, and vomiting agents. However, these safeguards can fail in some circumstances. People are exposed to paraquat through one of three routes: ingestion, skin exposure, and inhalation.
- Ingestion: Swallowing even small amounts of paraquat can be deadly. This typically occurs when the herbicide contaminates food, water, or other beverages. Agricultural workers may accidentally ingest the chemical if they eat, drink, or smoke with contaminated hands.
- Skin Exposure: Paraquat can enter your body through prolonged contact with the skin, especially if you have cuts, rashes, or other breaks in the skin barrier. Farm workers who mix, load, or apply the herbicide without proper protective equipment face the highest risk.
- Inhalation: Breathing in paraquat mist or spray particles directly damages your lungs and respiratory system. This commonly occurs when the herbicide is sprayed, especially in enclosed spaces or under windy conditions.
What Are the Symptoms of Paraquat Poisoning?
Paraquat poisoning symptoms vary based on exposure amount, duration, and overall health. Swallowing small to moderate amounts can trigger gradual organ failure. Over the next few days or weeks, your heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs may sustain progressive damage and eventually shut down without treatment.
If you have ingested large amounts of paraquat, you will experience immediate symptoms like:
- Confusion
- Rapid heartbeat
- Muscle weakness
- Respiratory failure
- Mouth and throat pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Bloody diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Low blood pressure
- Seizures
- Coma
What to Do If You Suspect Paraquat Poisoning
If you or a loved one has swallowed or inhaled paraquat, call 911 and go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Medical care is the only chance of survival following paraquat poisoning, and every minute matters. Go to the hospital as soon as possible and tell the medical team that you have ingested or inhaled paraquat.
If you got paraquat on your skin or clothing, immediately remove all contaminated items using gloves or tools to avoid touching the chemical. Place the clothing in a sealed plastic bag, then put that bag inside another sealed plastic bag. Thoroughly wash your entire body with soap and water, paying special attention to exposed areas, and seek medical care immediately.
Other Health Problems Linked to Paraquat Exposure
Acute, direct exposure to paraquat can lead to poisoning, but this is not the only way that the herbicide can hurt you. Scientific research has revealed long-term paraquat exposure linked to the development of Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder. Now, victims of paraquat exposure are filing lawsuits against manufacturers for failing to warn about these serious health risks despite years of scientific evidence.
Paraquat exposure can devastate your health, career, and family stability. Estey & Bomberger, LLP has built a reputation for standing up to powerful chemical companies. We will not rest until you secure the compensation you deserve. Find out if you are eligible to file a Paraquat lawsuit today. Contact us at (800) 260-7197 for a free consultation and learn how we can pursue justice on your behalf.