Paraquat Side Effects
- Upd: February 13, 2026
-
Sarah Miller
- Fact Checked By Our Attorneys
Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide widely used in agriculture to control weeds. Even small amounts of paraquat dichloride can cause serious health problems if it enters the body through skin contact, inhalation, or paraquat ingestion. People working on farms, mixing or spraying the chemical, or living near treated fields are most at risk. Exposure can lead to immediate issues like nausea, vomiting, and respiratory failure, as well as long-term neurological and organ damage.
If you or a loved one have experienced paraquat exposure, you can get a free, confidential case review with experienced attorneys to see if you qualify for compensation.
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Key Takeaways:
- Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide that can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, causing serious health risks.
- Short-term symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
- Long-term exposure can lead to pulmonary fibrosis, lung scarring, kidney and liver failure, neurological issues, and Parkinson’s disease.
- Legal Claim Assistant helps victims connect with experienced attorneys for free, confidential case reviews and guidance on filing paraquat lawsuits.
What Is Paraquat?
Paraquat is a highly toxic weed killer and one of the most commonly used herbicides worldwide. Its active ingredient, paraquat dichloride, is designed to destroy plant cells rapidly, making it effective for disease control and crop management. Farmers, landscapers, and agricultural workers often use liquid paraquat for weed control, but even small to medium amounts can cause severe injury if it enters the body.
Paraquat poisoning occurs through skin exposure, inhalation, or accidental ingestion, and it is considered a toxic substance by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) due to its potential to cause organ failure and permanent damage. In the U.S., paraquat use is restricted; it is classified as a restricted-use pesticide, meaning only certified applicators can handle it and any illegally transferring paraquat is strictly prohibited under federal law.
You can also learn in details about Paraquat lawsuit.
How Paraquat Affects the Body
When paraquat enters the body through swallowed paraquat, skin exposure, inhalation, or contaminated clothing it can cause immediate toxic effects. Even low dose exposure can damage vital organs such as the lungs, kidneys, liver, and heart. Paraquat poisoning often results in gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, and throat irritation. Pulmonary fibrosis, lung scarring, and lung damage are common, while kidney failure, liver failure, and heart failure may develop with higher exposures or chronic exposure.
The toxic effects occur because paraquat generates oxidative stress in cells, damaging plant cells and human tissues alike, causing toxic chemical reactions that can damage organs.. Once paraquat touches the skin or enters the bloodstream, it spreads to vital organs, disrupting normal function and sometimes leading to organ failure. Immediate medical attention is critical treatments can include activated charcoal to reduce absorption, intravenous fluids to support kidney function, and other specific medical management strategies.
Common Symptoms of Paraquat Exposure
Symptoms of paraquat exposure can appear within a few days or develop over weeks, depending on the dose and route of exposure.
Short-term symptoms:
- Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
- Throat irritation and difficulty swallowing
- Coughing, chest pain, and low blood pressure
- Skin irritation or burns if liquid paraquat touches the skin
Long-term or chronic exposure symptoms:
- Pulmonary fibrosis and lung scarring
- Neurological issues, tremors, fatigue
- Kidney failure, liver failure, or heart failure
- Early signs of Parkinson’s disease developing after repeated or high exposures
Even small amounts can be dangerous, potentially causing fatal poisoning, and survivors of paraquat poisoning often require intensive medical care.
What Are the Possible Complications from Paraquat Exposure
Exposure to paraquat, even in small amounts, can lead to severe and sometimes life-threatening complications. The toxic chemical rapidly enters the body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, spreading to vital organs and causing permanent damage if not treated promptly.
Respiratory complications:
- Pulmonary fibrosis and lung scarring can develop after paraquat touches the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and respiratory failure.
- Severe lung damage is a common reason why many victims require intensive medical care to survive paraquat poisoning.
Organ damage:
- The liver, kidneys, and heart are particularly vulnerable.
- Kidney failure, liver failure, and heart failure may occur, especially with high dose or chronic exposure.
- Vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate can become unstable, requiring immediate medical attention.
Neurological effects:
- Exposure to paraquat has been linked to cognitive decline, motor function impairment, and tremors.
- Long-term exposure may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Cancer risk:
- Some studies suggest a potential link between chronic paraquat exposure and increased risk of certain cancers, though more research is ongoing.
- Environmental contamination and improper handling of paraquat products can exacerbate these risks. From an environmental health perspectives, highlighting broader public concerns.
Other complications:
- Accidental ingestion or improperly removing paraquat from contaminated surfaces can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Prolonged exposure to liquid herbicide in residential areas without a drift buffer increases risk.
Prompt medical care and specific treatment are critical to reduce possible complications.
Diseases Caused by Paraquat
Paraquat exposure has been directly linked to several chronic diseases, particularly neurological and systemic conditions:
Parkinson’s disease:
- Most commonly associated with paraquat, especially in farmworkers and those with repeated or chronic exposure.
- Evidence shows paraquat can damage neurons, increasing the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease over time.
Potential cancer links:
- Research indicates possible connections to certain cancers due to paraquat’s oxidative stress and toxicity, though further studies are needed.
Other chronic conditions:
- Kidney disease, liver damage, pulmonary fibrosis, and cardiovascular issues have all been reported in cases of prolonged or high-dose exposure.
- Symptoms of paraquat poisoning can worsen over time if exposure is not addressed.
“Paraquat exposure can trigger severe side effects that harm health, highlighting urgent need for awareness.”
FAQs About Paraquat Side Effects
What disease does Paraquat cause?
Paraquat exposure is most strongly linked to developing Parkinson’s disease. Chronic or high-dose exposure can also contribute to lung damage, kidney failure, liver damage, and other serious health conditions.
What cancers does Paraquat cause?
Some research suggests that long-term exposure to paraquat may increase the risk of certain cancers, though studies are ongoing. Environmental contamination and repeated pesticide poisonings can increase the likelihood of health complications.
What are the symptoms of Paraquat poisoning?
Paraquat poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, throat irritation, coughing, and breathing difficulties. Long-term exposure may lead to lung scarring, pulmonary fibrosis, kidney and liver failure, tremors, and fatigue.
Is there an antidote for Paraquat?
There is no specific antidote. Treatment focuses on preventing accidental ingestion, removing paraquat from the body, supporting vital organ function, and seeking medical attention immediately. Activated charcoal and intravenous fluids are common medical interventions.
How does Paraquat affect the brain?
Paraquat can cause oxidative stress that damages neurons, contributing to motor function impairment and cognitive decline. Long-term exposure has been linked to developing Parkinson’s disease.
How Legal Claim Assistant Can Help
Legal Claim Assistant connects individuals exposed to paraquat with experienced attorneys who handle paraquat lawsuits. We provide free and confidential case reviews to help you understand your legal rights and options.
Our team can guide you through gathering medical records, exposure evidence, and documentation to strengthen your claim. We check whether your symptoms match known paraquat side effects and provide step-by-step guidance throughout the legal process.
Whether exposure occurred through agricultural work, residential area drift, or other incidents, our attorneys help ensure you pursue the compensation you deserve. Get your free case review today and see if you qualify for a paraquat lawsuit.
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