Paraquat Poisoning: What You Need to Know
Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide, and even small amounts of exposure can be extremely dangerous. Understanding how paraquat exposure happens—and the risks involved—is important, especially for people who work around it.
Most paraquat exposure occurs during mixing, loading, or spraying the chemical, which puts farmworkers, applicators, and agricultural laborers at the greatest risk. Exposure can happen through skin contact, inhalation of spray mist, or accidental ingestion. Because of its toxicity, paraquat is classified as a restricteduse pesticide, meaning only trained and certified applicators are allowed to handle it.
The shortterm effects of paraquat poisoning can be severe, but longterm exposure to paraquat has also raised serious health concerns. Research and litigation have linked repeated exposure to neurological damage, including an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease years after contact with the chemical.
Paraquat Settlement Updates
In April 2025, attorneys for plaintiffs and the manufacturers Syngenta and Chevron reached a confidential agreement in principle to resolve a large number of Paraquat lawsuits involving Parkinson’s disease claims. The agreement is expected to cover most cases in the federal Paraquat MDL in the Southern District of Illinois and may also include certain statecourt cases.
Since then, the parties have continued working to finalize the settlement framework, including who qualifies, how claims will be evaluated, and how settlement amounts will be determined. While the agreement has been signed, specific settlement terms and payout details have not been made public, and negotiations are ongoing into 2026.
Not all Paraquat claims will necessarily be resolved through this agreement, and additional cases remain active in both federal and state courts. We will continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Paraquats Link to Parkinson’s Disease
Recent research shows that being around pesticides like Paraquat can increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. These chemicals can cause changes in cells similar to those seen in Parkinson’s, especially for people who are already at risk.
A 2019 study found that people exposed to Paraquat had a 25% higher chance of getting Parkinson’s, and the risk goes up with more exposure. Out of 31 pesticides studied, Paraquat was one of the most harmful, creating toxic molecules that stress and damage cells, similar to what happens in Parkinson’s.
Exposure to Paraquat during teenage and young adult years can increase the risk of Parkinson’s by 200% to 600%, depending on how long the exposure lasts. This highlights the importance of being cautious around such chemicals.
The Battle to Ban Paraquat
Paraquat has been under scrutiny for years due to concerns about worker safety, environmental harm, and long‑term health risks. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began its most recent review of paraquat in 2017 and, in 2021, decided not to ban the herbicide nationwide. Instead, the EPA required additional safety measures, including stricter labeling, mandatory training, and tighter handling rules to reduce exposure—especially for agricultural workers. Despite these steps, concerns have continued.
Key developments since then include:
- New EPA review activity (2024–2025): The EPA acknowledged new data showing greater uncertainty about paraquat’s ability to move through the air, which could increase exposure risks for bystanders. The agency is now seeking more information before making a final decision.
- California action: In 2024, California passed Assembly Bill 1963, which pauses paraquat use starting January 1, 2026, while the state conducts a full reevaluation. California is the largest user of paraquat in the country.
The ongoing debate over paraquat reflects a broader question about how best to protect farmworkers, surrounding communities, and public health.
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