How long does it take to be impacted by paraquat exposure?
If you were exposed to Paraquat, the time it takes for symptoms of Paraquat poisoning to develop could range between a few hours and a few days. If you ingested Paraquat, symptoms might begin to show up almost immediately. However, if you did not consume the chemical but were exposed to it even in small amounts, it may take longer to notice the symptoms.
Paraquat is an herbicide used by many companies in the United States. The United States Centers for Disease Control heavily regulates Paraquat use and requires anyone who uses the herbicide to obtain a special permit. However, because the chemical is cheap and effective, many companies obtain these certifications. And, in the wake of the many Round-Up lawsuits, many companies shifted to Paraquat as an alternative. However, recent studies suggest that Paraquat is no safer than Round-Up and may be more dangerous.
The immediate symptoms of Paraquat poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain and swelling around the mouth and throat, and abdominal pain. However, as the substance begins to affect other parts of the body, some will experience much more severe symptoms, such as:
- Kidney failure
- Muscle weakness
- Seizures
- Breathing trouble
- Increased heart rate
- Confusion
In some cases, higher levels of Paraquat exposure can cause someone to enter a coma.
Under CDC regulations, Paraquat manufacturers must include a blue dye in the chemical to help consumers recognize the product. However, some imported brands of Paraquat may not contain blue dye, making it much harder to identify. Additionally, the product warnings on the label of Paraquat do not adequately disclose the risks that even low levels of exposure can have.
If you or someone you love was recently exposed to Paraquat and are suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned above, you may be able to hold the manufacturer liable through a Philadelphia product liability lawsuit. However, you can expect the manufacturer will aggressively defend against your claim. If you are interested in learning more about Paraquat poisoning and what options you have to hold the manufacturer accountable, reach out to a personal injury lawyer for immediate assistance.
