Along with a pesticide known as Rotenone, Paraquat is routinely used to induce Parkinson's disease for studies in animals, according to the Parkinson's Foundation. The Foundation has repeatedly called for its ban in the United States based on strong scientific links between Paraquat and Parkinson's disease.

Dorsey is one of a number of leading scientists from around the world who say research clearly shows paraquat exposure can cause Parkinson's disease. “Paraquat is considered the most toxic herbicide ever created,” Dorsey said in an interview.

Paraquat Lawsuits. Paraquat lawsuits claim that long-term paraquat exposure causes Parkinson's disease. Plaintiffs diagnosed with Parkinson's disease say manufacturers failed to warn users about the risk.

Syngenta Paraquat was first manufactured in 1961 by Imperial Chemical Industries under the trade name Gramoxone. Gramoxone is sold by Syngenta today, but Paraquat is also sold under the names: Blanco.

"Paraquat increases production of certain oxygen derivatives that may harm cellular structures. People who used these pesticides or others with a similar mechanism of action were more likely to develop Parkinson's disease.

Recently, researchers analyzed hundreds of common pesticides for their link with Parkinson's disease. Ten pesticides were directly linked to toxicity and death of dopaminergic neurons - one of the hallmarks of Parkinson's disease. The study was published in Nature Communications .

Pfizer settles lawsuits tying sex and gambling addictions to dopamine meds. Pfizer ($PFE) is settling class-action litigation brought by patients who claimed the drugmaker did not adequately warn them of possible side effects of drugs they were taking to treat their Parkinson's disease or restless leg syndrome.

contact herbicide Paraquat is classified as a non-selective contact herbicide. The key characteristics that distinguish it from other agents used in plant protection products are: It kills a wide range of annual grasses and broad-leaved weeds and the tips of established perennial weeds.

Paraquat Bans Around the World Many countries have banned the use of Paraquat after discovering the chemical's link poisoning and Parkinson's disease, however, many major agricultural nations, including the United States, still allow Paraquat to be used.

Paraquat use is highest in areas with lots of commercial agriculture, where large farms grow everything from fruits and vegetables to textile crops like cotton. This includes large chunks of the Midwest, south, and west in the United States.

Solvents: Trichloroethylene, a solvent, has been used in many industrial settings, such as metal degreasing and dry cleaning, and in paint thinners and detergents. Some studies have shown a link between long-term exposure to solvents and development of Parkinson's.

The cause of Parkinson's essentially remains unknown. However, theories involving oxidative damage, environmental toxins, genetic factors and accelerated aging have been discussed as potential causes for the disease.