Paraquat disease kills cells through a mechanism called oxidative stress, meaning that altered cell chemistry leads to cell damage and death.

Not everyone exposed to Paraquat develops Parkinson’s disease, nor does everyone with genetic susceptibility.

Only a small number of Parkinson’s disease cases are genetic or inherited.

As with many diseases, an interaction between environmental exposures and genetics likely leads to the disease.

Acute paraquat poisoning occurs through ingestion, inhalation, or skin exposure.

Long-term paraquat side effects include:

-Lung damage and scarring
-Kidney failure
-Heart failure
-Scarring of the esophagus
-Parkinson’s disease (from long-term exposure)
-Impaired lung function (from long-term exposure)
-Reproductive problems (from long-term exposure)

Most cases of poisoning occur because accidental ingestion-poisoning is usually fatal and there is no antidote.

Pesticide/herbicide handlers, sprayers, and applicators are exposed to paraquat daily, in large quantities, and over sustained periods.

Even in relatively low doses, exposure to paraquat leads to the development of serious health conditions, including Parkinson's disease, one of the most common neurological disorders affecting us.

Railroad workers are one of the occupational groups who have the highest risk of coming to struggle with this disorder–railroad workers have even greater chances of developing Parkinson's disease, as they have to apply paraquat on large areas of tracks, as well as more frequently.

Other professions in danger of excessive paraquat exposure include:

-Applicators/sprayers, including:
-Individuals using portable / “hand-held” or backpack sprayers
-Drivers of tractors equipped to spray Paraquat
-“Crop duster” pilots
-Loaders and mixers
-Farm workers
-Property owners (exposed due to runoff, overspray, or drift)
-Rural school children attending schools near farms using paraquat

The Shield Justice Team believes that victims suffering from Parkinson’s and other cancers after alleged exposure to paraquat deserve justice and compensation for suffering