Dangerous Herbicide Paraquat Banned in Fiji

The South Pacific archipelago Fiji joins several other countries that have banned herbicide paraquat from use due to serious health risks. Their decision was based in part on studies performed by the Fiji Sugar Corporation, which found residues of paraquat in the sugar they manufactured. Exposure to the chemical has both short-term and long-term health effects, including injury to the eyes and even death.

Paraquat has been used as an herbicide and pesticide since the 1960s, but has been linked to development of Parkinson’s Disease. For over a decade, studies have suggested that exposure to the chemical may increase the risk for diagnosis of the central nervous system condition. 

Lawsuits have been filed on behalf of agricultural workers, farmers, chemical mixers, and other workers who were exposed to paraquat and subsequently developed Parkinson’s. Plaintiffs claim that they were not warned of the alleged dangerous health risks associated with the herbicide.

Who Is Eligible to File a Paraquat Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one handled or used an herbicide or pesticide containing paraquat and were later diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, you may be legally entitled to compensation.