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.