Paraquat Poisoning and Exposure Symptoms
Paraquat is a toxic herbicide that can cause severe burns, organ failure and death if you inhale, swallow or touch it. Long-term exposure is linked to Parkinson's disease and has sparked thousands of lawsuits from affected workers.
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- Last update: August 21, 2025
- Est. Read Time: 4 min read
What Is Paraquat Poisoning?
Paraquat poisoning occurs when the herbicide enters your body, resulting in damage to organs like the lungs, kidneys, liver and heart. Contact with paraquat may cause side effects like burning pain in your abdomen and mouth, coma and pancreatitis.
You can get paraquat poisoning if you inhale, swallow or touch the herbicide. Swallowing a single teaspoon can be deadly because paraquat is highly toxic to humans. There is no antidote or cure.
Accidental swallowing or mishandling of the chemical has resulted in several deaths in the United States, though exact numbers are not readily available.
How Paraquat Exposure Happens
You’re most likely to be exposed to paraquat if you work with it, live near fields treated with the pesticide or accidentally ingest it. Any contact with paraquat is dangerous.
- Airborne drift
- When farmers mix, load or spray paraquat, tiny droplets can become airborne and drift away from the fields. This can cause nearby workers, bystanders and even neighbors to be exposed.
- Dangerous storage practices
- There have been deadly incidents where paraquat has been improperly stored in drink containers or unmarked bottles. If someone accidentally drinks even a small amount, it could be fatal.
- Runoff and environmental contamination
- After paraquat is applied to fields, it can be washed away with rain or irrigation, spreading to nearby soil and water. Research found that paraquat can stay in the soil and water for years.
- Working with paraquat
- If you work with paraquat, you are at higher risk for exposure, especially if you don't use protective gear like gloves and respirators. There is no safe level of paraquat exposure, so you should use necessary safety equipment.
Paraquat Usage Guidelines
Paraquat is allowed in the U.S. under strict guidelines:
- Cannot be used on lawns, gardens or around any public or residential space.
- Prohibited from use or storage in residential areas.
- Must be secured to prevent access by children or unauthorized people.
- Protective gear is mandatory during handling.
- Transferring to a food, drink or other container is prohibited.
- Usage is restricted to trained professionals only.
- Users must adhere to label instructions.
In contrast, more than 70 countries, including Brazil, Canada, China, the United Kingdom and members of the European Union, have banned or heavily restricted paraquat.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Paraquat Exposure
The early signs of Paraquat exposure can depend on how you were exposed. They can include skin dryness, eye or throat irritation, burning pain in your mouth and more.
If you think you’ve come into contact with paraquat, get medical help right away. The sooner you receive care, the better your odds of reducing any harm caused by this herbicide. Don’t wait to seek help.
- If paraquat touches your skin
- The early signs of paraquat poisoning on your skin can include cracks, dryness and nail issues. If your skin is exposed for a long time or becomes damaged, it may cause ulcers and abrasions that can allow the poison to get into your body.
- If paraquat gets in your eyes
- Early eye-contact symptoms of paraquat poisoning include severe eye irritation from inflammation and potential vision problems. In some cases, it can cause lasting corneal cloudiness.
- If you inhale paraquat
- Inhaling paraquat can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including a hoarse voice, coughing, chest tightness, eye pain, tearing and throat irritation. It may also cause lung inflammation that is visible on scans.
- If you swallow paraquat
- You may experience painful sores in your mouth (sometimes called "paraquat tongue"), including inflammation and peeling skin. This can lead to abdominal pain, burning pain in your mouth, nausea and vomiting.
Any exposure to paraquat is dangerous. Symptoms can worsen rapidly. Quick medical attention and cleaning the affected area are vital.
What Is Paraquat Tongue?
Paraquat tongue refers to the severe oral damage caused by swallowing paraquat. It is often one of the first signs of paraquat poisoning.
Paraquat tongue appears early after ingestion because the tongue comes into contact with the toxic chemical first. Its presence signals a medical emergency with a high risk of poisoning.
- Burning sensation
- Excessive saliva and difficulty swallowing
- Lesions and ulcers on the tongue
- Tongue swelling and redness
- Severe pain
Paraquat Long-Term Health Effects and Legal Rights
The long-term health effects of paraquat exposure include a risk of paraquat-related Parkinson’s disease. People who were diagnosed with Parkinson’s following years of exposure to paraquat filed thousands of lawsuits. Many cases were settled in 2025.
Other long-term health effects of paraquat exposure are severe and potentially permanent. Chronic exposure can lead to lung scarring (pulmonary fibrosis), heart, kidney, liver and respiratory failure.
Studies Find Paraquat-Parkinson’s Link
Studies show that Paraquat exposure may double your chance of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
A 2024 study in the International Journal of Epidemiology discovered that people living or working close to places where paraquat is commonly used have nearly twice the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The study also found that the risk increases for those who are exposed to the herbicide for a long time or in large amounts.
In 2011, an article in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that people who used paraquat were more than twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than those who didn’t.
Parkinson’s Disease-Related Paraquat Lawsuits
In July 2025, paraquat manufacturer Syngenta settled the first of thousands of lawsuits in a multidistrict litigation (MDL). MDLs allow numerous, similar lawsuits to be combined in a single litigation to make the legal process more efficient.
More than 6,300 paraquat lawsuits were still pending in the MDL in a Southern Illinois federal court at the time the settlement was announced. Details of the settlement were not released.
According to a court document dated April 14, 2025, lead attorneys for both the defendants and plaintiffs in the MDL entered into a paraquat settlement agreement to resolve “this case and many others” in the litigation.
Treatment and Urgent Actions After Exposure
Paraquat poisoning is a serious medical emergency. There is no specific treatment. Immediate medical attention is crucial for the best chance of recovery.
- If poisoning is suspected, go to an emergency room immediately.
- Remove contaminated clothing and wash (do not scrub) exposed body parts for at least 15 minutes.
- Use supplemental oxygen cautiously.
- If paraquat gets in your eyes, flush them with water for at least 15 minutes.
You can also call the national toll-free Poison Help Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 from anywhere in the United States. Poison experts can provide instructions over the phone.
Keep a record of how your exposure occurred and any symptoms you have. This information is vital for treatment and potential legal claims.
Taking notes, photographs and saving product containers can also help prove exposure later on. Quick reporting provides accurate information for medical and legal support.
Calling this number connects you with a Drugwatch.com representative. We will direct you to one of our trusted legal partners for a free case review.
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