How does paraquat exposure cause Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is caused by the loss of function in the dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra, a small region of the brain. Exposure to paraquat kills dopamine neurons through a mechanism known as oxidative stress, meaning that altered cell chemistry leads to cell damage and death in the substantia nigra.

answered by Chandler Duncan

Oxidative stress is the primary mechanism by which paraquat causes Parkinson's disease

Medical studies conducted on animals found that when paraquat reaches the substantia nigra, it depletes the cells that release dopamine, and the same effect is believed to occur in humans when they are exposed to the herbicide. This is what causes Parkinson's disease. The reduction of the cell number that releases dopamine is a tell-tale sign of the disorder in humans. People who are regularly exposed to paraquat have a 250% higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease than the general population.

Paraquat is neurotoxic, meaning it can wreak havoc on the nervous system, including the brain. By increasing oxidative stress in the body, the neurons responsible for releasing dopamine are irreversibly damaged, which can eventually result in Parkinson's disease. However, the onset of the disorder is gradual, so people who develop it will experience a worsening of their symptoms over the years. Some of the tell-tale signs of Parkinson's disease are:

  • slow movement
  • a tremor in a limb
  • rigid muscles
  • impaired posture and balance
  • walking difficulties
  • speech changes
  • loss of automatic movements
  • writing changes
  • difficulty swallowing

Unfortunately, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease are irreversible, and with aging, they become increasingly worse. If you struggle with this neurodegenerative disorder and were exposed to paraquat, you should contact our attorneys, as they specialize in toxic exposure. They might be able to help you obtain financial compensation for your suffering from the responsible paraquat manufacturers.

File your paraquat exposure claim with the assistance of our skilled attorneys

Since 1990, our attorneys have been pursuing compensation for toxic exposure victims, and today, they take on paraquat exposure cases. If you were exposed to the herbicide and developed Parkinson's disease, you might be entitled to compensation, so do not hesitate to contact our law firm. To initiate the legal process, all you need to do is send in evidence of your paraquat exposure and your medical records stating your Parkinson's diagnosis.

Following a thorough evaluation of your case, we will determine whether you are eligible to file a paraquat exposure claim. If you are, we will begin working on it as soon as possible, and if you are too ill to participate in the legal process, a family member can help you navigate it. Furthermore, our compassionate team will also try to make your involvement minimal by taking care of the most complex aspects of the process. Eventually, if our efforts are fruitful, you will receive the money you deserve from the liable companies.

Other related questions

See more questions