A group of 47 members of Congress, led by Rep. Greg Casar, has called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban the herbicide paraquat, which has been linked to Parkinson’s disease and cancer. This urgent plea follows mounting evidence showing the harmful effects of paraquat on farmers and communities exposed to the chemical.
A growing body of scientific research has found paraquat to be a significant risk factor for Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative neurological disorder with no cure. Despite these findings, paraquat remains widely used in the United States, while over 70 countries, including the European Union and China, have already banned its use.
In response to the call for action, the Plaintiffs’ Co-Lead Counsel in the Paraquat Products Liability Litigation, Peter Flowers of Meyers & Flowers, Khaldoun A. Baghdadi of Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger, and Sarah Shoemake Doles of Levin Papantonio, released the following statement:
“We applaud the 47 members of Congress urging the EPA to ban paraquat and protect Americans from the devastating impact of this toxic herbicide. The thousands of farmers we represent are forced to endure lifelong suffering from Parkinson’s—an incurable and degenerative disease caused by paraquat exposure. It is far past time for the US to join the more than 70 countries who have already banned this hazardous chemical and prioritize our nation’s health over the profits of foreign chemical companies.”
Paraquat is commonly used in agriculture to control weeds and grasses, particularly in soybean, cotton, and corn farming. However, its dangers are becoming harder to ignore. The legal battle surrounding paraquat has drawn significant attention, with thousands of lawsuits filed on behalf of individuals affected by the herbicide.
About the Paraquat Litigation
Meyers & Flowers represents hundreds of individuals, many of them farmers, in litigation against the manufacturers of paraquat. Scientific research has established a strong link between paraquat exposure and the development of Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative condition with no known cure.
The Paraquat Litigation is focused on holding these companies accountable for their failure to warn users of the risks posed by their product. The firm’s work, in conjunction with co-lead counsel, is aimed at securing justice for those who have been exposed to paraquat and now suffer from Parkinson’s as a result.
Meyers & Flowers remains at the forefront of this fight, committed to advocating for the health and safety of all individuals affected by paraquat.
If you or someone you love has worked with paraquat or believes they have been exposed to the toxic chemical and later was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or developed signs of PD, please contact our office today for a free case evaluation from our chemical exposure attorneys to explore your legal options.