Paraquat

  • Paraquat dichloride, a toxic chemical also known simply as “paraquat,” is one of the most widely used herbicides in the United States. 
  • Paraquat is generally sprayed for weed and grass control and is only used in agricultural and commercial settings. Licensed applicators of paraquat are those most at risk of exposure.
  • In the United States, paraquat is designated as “restricted use” only to be applied by people who are licensed applicators.
  • Ingesting as little as one-third of an ounce of paraquat can cause severe bodily damage, including painful death.
  • Because it is highly poisonous, in the U.S. paraquat is marketed with consumer safeguards.
  • Paraquat from outside the U.S. may not have these safeguards.

Illustration by Alexandra Li

Read more about Paraquat

Man holding a bottle of Paraquat herbicide representing the expert testimony announcements in the Paraquat lawsuit.

Paraquat Expert Testimony Hearings Annou...

MedTruth Editors · May 19, 2023

Farmers and agricultural workers are suing manufacturers of the herbicide Paraquat, accusing the corporations of failing to warn about the risk that Paraquat exposure may lead to Parkinson’s disease.

Legal Developments
A worker spraying Paraquat on plants representing the first Paraquat Parkinson's trial pushed back to 2023.

First Paraquat Parkinson’s Trial Pushe...

MedTruth Editors · September 2, 2022

The federal judge overseeing Paraquat litigation has pushed back the first jury trial to mid-2023. Agricultural workers who used the herbicide claim it caused them to develop Parkinson's disease.

Legal Developments
Image of a man spraying weedkiller on plants representing Paraquat MDL Dismissals.

Defendants Move For Paraquat MDL Dismiss...

MedTruth Editors · November 11, 2021

Corporations Syngenta and Chevron USA are attempting to weed out invalid claims from the MDL.

Legal Developments
Image of a farmer spraying paraquat herbicide on crops.

Paraquat Claims Could Cost Syngenta & Chevron Billions

MedTruth Editors · September 22, 2021

Legal experts involved in paraquat litigation estimate that there may eventually be tens of thousands of cases. 

Legal Developments
Illustration of paraquat herbicide.

EPA Renews Paraquat Approval

MedTruth Editors · August 5, 2021

In the press statement confirming their decision to renew paraquat’s approval, the EPA included a number of new limitations on the way paraquat could be applied.

News