Published April 1, 2026 · Parkinson's Lawsuit Help
The United States is the principal industrialized economy that still permits paraquat use. More than 60 countries — including the European Union, China, Brazil, and Switzerland (where Syngenta is headquartered) — have banned paraquat outright or restricted it severely.
Who has banned paraquat
European Union member states banned paraquat in 2007. China banned paraquat for domestic use in 2012. Switzerland — Syngenta's home country — banned paraquat in 1989. Brazil, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, and others have followed. The list of bans now exceeds 60 countries.
Why bans were enacted
Most bans were driven by acute toxicity (paraquat ingestion has a high case fatality rate) rather than by Parkinson's risk specifically. But the cumulative health concerns — acute toxicity plus accumulating evidence on neurodegenerative effects plus farmworker safety — drove the international consensus.
U.S. regulatory posture
EPA continues to permit paraquat under Restricted Use rules. EPA's 2021 Interim Registration Review Decision required new label warnings about Parkinson's risk and additional applicator training requirements, but did not restrict paraquat further. The EPA's posture has been the subject of significant scientific and policy criticism.
Litigation relevance
Defendants argue that EPA approval should immunize them from state-law tort claims. Plaintiffs argue that the international consensus shows the dangers were known and that EPA approval is a regulatory floor, not a tort-law ceiling. Federal preemption is a major battleground in the litigation.
What this means for claimants
Foreign bans do not directly create U.S. legal liability. But they support the general-causation case and undermine defense arguments that the risks were unknown or unknowable. Your claim does not depend on EPA reversing its position.
Get a free case review
If you or a family member were exposed to paraquat and have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, request a free case review. It takes 15 to 30 minutes by phone, costs nothing, and locks in your place while settlement options remain open. Check eligibility or call (717) 724-7503.