Paraquat Exposure Symptoms

Worldwide, paraquat is still one of the most commonly used herbicides. In the United States, due to its toxicity, paraquat is available for use only by commercially licensed users. Paraquat is widely used as an herbicide for weed and grass control. Whether through ingestion, inhalation or skin contact, exposure to even a small amount of paraquat can cause immediate and severe harmful effects. In the past, some marijuana in the United States has been found to contain paraquat. Licensed applicators of paraquat are the people most at risk for exposure.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warns that just one sip of paraquat can prove fatal.

No antidote is available for paraquat poisoning, so treatment involves alleviating symptoms and supportive care. Immediately after exposure, activated charcoal can limit paraquat absorption in the gastrointestinal tract or help remove paraquat from the lungs. High-dose long-term antioxidants have shown promise in improving survival rates in severe paraquat poisoning.

Because of its high toxicity, severe paraquat exposure symptoms can manifest within seconds, hours or days of exposure, potentially culminating in death. Immediate paraquat symptoms of exposure following ingestion include immediate pain and swelling of the mouth and throat.

Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea (which may become bloody) can then occur. Exposure triggers a range of severe symptoms, many of which require urgent medical attention.

Skin exposure to paraquat causes chemical burns. These burns can progress for up to 24 hours.

Ingestion may lead to heart failure, kidney failure, liver failure, lung scarring and other long-term effects within several days to several weeks of ingestion.

Though someone may survive the acute phase of paraquat poisoning, they may experience serious long-term paraquat exposure symptoms. Paraquat poisoning survivors also have an increased cancer risk.

The EPA classifies paraquat as a type C or “possible” human carcinogen. Studies suggest the mortality rate of paraquat poisoning may range from 46%-80%.

A general scientific consensus links toxins like paraquat to the development of Parkinson’s disease. Paraquat exposure is associated with nerve cell damage in the brain that can develop into Parkinson’s disease. People have filed numerous paraquat lawsuits because of the chemical’s serious effects and links to Parkinson’s disease.

One recent study suggests that paraquat has no association with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease or death from any cause. Syngenta – the company that manufactures paraquat – funded and led the study.

Safe handling and use of paraquat, along with proper protective equipment, can significantly reduce the risk of accidental exposure. Should exposure occur, immediate action is necessary. Dial 911 or contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. You can also seek emergency help online through the poison control center’s web portal.

Because paraquat is highly poisonous, the form marketed in the United States is formulated with safety additive chemicals. It has a blue dye to keep it from being confused with beverages such as coffee, a sharp odor to serve as a warning, and an added agent to cause vomiting if someone drinks it. Acting fast is critical given the lethality of paraquat. Quick action and immediate medical attention can help minimize long-term harm from paraquat exposure.