Paraquat Lawsuits: The Battle Over Parkinson's Disease and a Chemical Giant

Published By DPRJ Universal | Published on Monday, 23 February 2026

Thousands of lawsuits, exemplified by the late Joe Harrison's case, accuse Syngenta and Chevron of failing to warn about paraquat, a herbicide linked to Parkinson's disease. Despite being banned in over 70 countries, its use is increasing in the U.S. Amidst growing scientific evidence and congressional calls for a ban, the EPA is re-evaluating paraquat's safety, highlighting a critical battle for justice for affected individuals and rural communities.

The article details the extensive legal conflict against chemical giants Syngenta and Chevron, concerning paraquat, an herbicide strongly associated with Parkinson's disease. Joe Harrison's personal story, an Oklahoma cattle rancher who sued Syngenta before his death, epitomizes the struggle. His case is part of nearly 6,500 lawsuits consolidated in East St. Louis, with thousands more filed across the U.S., forming a Multidistrict Litigation seeking justice and compensation for victims. Syngenta maintains paraquat's safety when used as directed and denies a credible link to Parkinson's. The EPA, while currently not finding a 'clear link,' is re-evaluating the herbicide's safety under congressional pressure and has imposed restrictions on its use. However, leading researchers, such as Ray Dorsey, point to 'overwhelming' evidence connecting paraquat and other neurotoxins to the global surge in Parkinson's cases, advocating for a worldwide ban. Many industrialized nations, including Switzerland where Syngenta is headquartered, have already banned paraquat. Despite the known health risks, paraquat use in the U.S. has significantly increased, partly due to weed resistance. Cases like Deborah Gorman's, whose parents allegedly contracted Parkinson's from paraquat-contaminated well water, highlight the broader risks to rural populations. Harrison's final wish was to warn the public about paraquat's potential harm, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and environmental action to prevent further suffering.