Gramoxone^® is a herbicide used to control weeds and grasses with an active ingredient called paraquat. It is alleged that paraquat exposure is linked to Parkinson’s disease.

Siskinds and its Québec-based affiliate Siskinds Desmeules have filed proposed class action lawsuits on behalf of all Canadians who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after using and/or being exposed to Gramoxone^®, since July 1, 1963. The actions have been filed in Ontario, British Columbia, and Québec, and are brought against Syngenta AG, Syngenta Crop Protection LLC, Syngenta Canada Inc., Syngenta International AG, and Syngenta Crop Protection AG (the “Defendants”).

Among other things, the proposed actions allege that the Defendants breached their obligations by misrepresenting the safety of Gramoxone^®, and its active ingredient, paraquat, and by failing to properly, adequately, and fairly warn of the risks associated with using and/or being exposed to Gramoxone^® and paraquat, as well as the magnitude of these risks.

Paraquat

Paraquat, also known as paraquat dichloride or N,N′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium dichloride, is a toxic chemical used as a herbicide marketed under the name Gramoxone® and manufactured by the Syngenta entities since 1963.  It is often sold as a liquid concentrate with a dark blue-green color and a strong, sour or putrid, odor.

According to several studies, exposure to paraquat, the main active ingredient in Gramoxone®, increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

For example, a 2013 study found that exposure to this herbicide doubled the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease and a 2015 study established a link between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease for non-users of protective gloves during exposure to the active ingredient. The results of several other studies have also identified an increased risk ratio for developing Parkinson’s disease following exposure to paraquat.

Legal proceedings

Siskinds Desmeules is seeking financial compensation on behalf of all Canadians who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after using and/or being exposed to Gramoxone^® and its active ingredient, paraquat, since its entry into the Canadian market (on or about July 1, 1963).

If you have used and/or been exposed to Gramoxone^® (and its active ingredient, paraquat) and have Parkinson’s disease or if you know someone who has, Siskinds may be able to help.

For more information, visit siskinds.com/class-action/gramoxone-paraquat or contact: 

Phone: (416) 594-4793
Email: donna.mcevoy@siskinds.com
Mailing Address: 680 Waterloo Street, London, Ontario N6A 3V8