Herbicides that have Paraquat, a chemical that is similar to Gramoxone, Parazone, and Blanco--have been banned by the European Union, China, and Brazil because of their dangerous relationship to Parkinson's disease. Paraquat has been employed throughout America twice as often as it was banned, despite numerous studies showing its harmful side effects. Each year, Paraquat is added to corn, soybeans and wheat across America.

Consumer activists and workers from the agricultural sector are stating that enough is enough and are demanding that companies be held accountable for the production and selling such a dangerous chemical. Many groups like the Michael J. Fox Foundation has also urged Congress for legislation that will make it mandatory for the Environmental Protection Agency to ban the herbicide.

You or someone you love were exposed to Paraquat Herbicide, and then later diagnosed with Parkinson's disease If so, call the Law Firm for a free consultation. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and other losses similar to those.

Which herbicides are contaminated with Paraquat?

Paraquat can be found in a wide range of herbicides. Here are the brand names of herbicides that contain Paraquat:

Blanco

Bonfire

Cyclone

Devour

Firestorm

Gramoxone

Helmquat

Parazone

Para-SHOT

Quik-Quat

VECOL

Research shows a link between Paraquat and Parkinson's Disease

In the past decade, multiple studies have shown that the exposure to Paraquat significantly increases the likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease.

Many reports have reported similar findings since the study's initial publication. In the past year, a National Institute of Health study found that farmers were 2.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson's disease if they used or were exposed to Paraquat. A study by the Genetic Modification Association published in the same year found that certain genetic modifications made individuals were eleven times more likely than others to develop Parkinson's disease after they were exposed paraquat herbicide.

What's more interesting is the fact that studies have shown that the chemical triggers a reaction in the body which is connected to the development of Parkinson's disease. Researchers have discovered that in people who were exposed to the chemical the chemical, it killed a portion of their cells via an oxidative stress reaction, which is a process that is also seen in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Paraquat was outlawed in several countries around the world due to these alarming results. Agricultural workers in America continue to use the herbicide to this day.

Activists Demand Congress Ban Paraquat in the United States.

In spite of dozens of countries around the world that ban Paraquat including the United Kingdom, China, Brazil and the European Union, Paraquat can still be used on U.S. crops.

Paraquat is currently a prohibited herbicide. This means that it is not available to homeowners on a budget for usage in their gardens. Paraquat is purchased by commercial farmers that have an exclusive licence to utilize it.

These restrictions, however, don't protect workers who are spray and are exposed to Paraquat all day. They do not shield those who live near large Paraquat-treated farms.