Paraquat

Heavy machinery crawls rows of crops spraying herbicide on them

What Science Says About Paraquat-Based Weed Killers and Parkinson’s Disease

Manufacturers hid scientific studies that connected the use of weed and grass killers containing paraquat dichloride to the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. But thankfully, independent researchers were not deterred by chemical companies’ denials, and continued to examine these associations.…

Bell Legal attorney Leslie LaMacchia poses with a client in the US Capitol at a Parkinson's briefing

Parkinson’s Advocates Urge Congress To Ban Paraquat

A Congressional briefing on Capitol Hill was held on September 17, 2024 by public health advocates and farmworkers calling for the ban of paraquat dichloride. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, and the Environmental…

Heavy machinery crawls rows of crops spraying herbicide on them

What Is Paraquat? Who Uses It and Who Is at Risk of Exposure?

When herbicide manufacturers explain what paraquat is, they say it’s a safe chemical for weed and grass control, but farmers know it’s a top agricultural hazard. Gramoxone, also known as paraquat, is an herbicide sold under many brand names that…

Farm worker dispenses paraquat into a piece of machinery

Paraquat Exposure Pathways That Lead to Parkinson’s Disease

It’s unknown what amount, route, or duration of paraquat exposure causes Parkinson’s disease, but no pathway is exempt from creating a toxic reaction. It’s suggested that even minimal contact with these hazardous herbicides can cause Parkinson’s disease. Agricultural workers may…