FOR LAWYERS

What is Paraquat?: Side Effects

By
James Parker
/
May 12, 2021

Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide used across the nation. Though it requires licensed applicators, there is potential for paraquat to remain on products it is sprayed on like corn, soy, or cotton. Proper understanding of paraquat’s side effects is paramount.

Paraquat has a number of side effects that begin from the moment that it is ingested or inhaled. The first signs of paraquat poisoning could be:

  • Swelling and pain in the mouth and throat
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea that may be bloody
  • Nosebleeds
  • Difficulty breathing

Because paraquat is ingested, the effects on the stomach and intestines are often the most severe. These symptoms can lead to complications like dehydration and low blood pressure.

The amount of paraquat someone consumes determines what kind of symptoms appear and how quickly they set in. For small dosages, the symptoms can take between several days and several weeks to fully set in. Once they do, victims may experience:

  • Lung scarring
  • Heart failure
  • Respiratory failure
  • Kidney failure
  • Liver failure

All of these symptoms can be deadly. 

Ingesting a large amount of paraquat either through intense exposure or accidental consumption will cause severe symptoms with a delay of as little as several hours or as much as several days. The symptoms of major paraquat exposure are:

  • Confusion
  • Muscle weakness
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Lung scarring
  • Acute kidney failure
  • Liver failure
  • Respiratory failure
  • Pulmonary edema

Due to the devastating effects of paraquat consumption, all paraquat products sold in the United States must have a blue dye, sharp odor, and vomiting agent chemically added to prevent accidental ingestion. If paraquat has not been properly treated using these measures, users may accidentally mistake it for a beverage and consume it.

Additionally, the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) has noted that it can be easily mixed with food or drinks without clear indication that those consumables have been poisoned. 

If you or a loved one have suffered one of these severe side effects after being poisoned by paraquat, you may be able to file a lawsuit for compensation. To file a lawsuit, you will need an experienced mass torts attorney to help you. The best way to find a mass torts attorney is with Attorney at Law.

At AAL, our nationwide network of attorneys and law firms can find an experienced mass torts attorney in your area. Our partners all work on contingency, meaning that if they don’t win, you don’t pay. Additionally, all our partners are screened for a winning record and a compassionate streak when interacting with clients. At AAL, we understand how stressful a lawsuit can be and we make sure that the firms we connect you with are just as sensitive to your needs.

Don’t wait. Contact AAL today for a free, no obligation consultation and begin your journey to justice. 

Featured Mass Tort Lawyers

Patrick Flynn, Attorney at Law

24 years in practice
Mass Tort, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death
View Profile

The G Law Group, P.A.

10 years in practice
Birth Injury, Mass Tort, Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Premises Liability
View Profile

Babiarz Law Firm, P.A.

28 years in practice
Auto Accidents, Mass Tort, Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect, Personal Injury, Premises Liability
View Profile

The Saenz Law Firm, P.A.

16 years in practice
Business Contracts, Employment Law
View Profile

Law Office of Jullian H. Jones, P.L.L.C.

3 years in practice
Criminal Defense
View Profile

Mainstay Law, LLC

11 years in practice
Business Law, Immigration Law
View Profile

Related Posts

Attorney At Law is changing how clients connect with lawyers. By providing an innovative platform to lawyers who want to expand their practice’s reach, AAL is bringing law practices into the future.
6142 Innovation Way
Carlsbad, California 92009
© 2023 Attorney at Law | All rights reserved
Some of the content of this website may be considered attorney advertising under the rules of certain jurisdictions. The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.
crossmenuchevron-upchevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram