Class action lawsuit: Gramoxone® associated with Parkinson's

Parkinson Canada would like to inform you about the class action lawsuit filed with regards to Gramoxone® associated with Parkinson’s. 
 
Gramoxone® is a herbicide used to control weeds and grasses with an active ingredient called paraquat.  

Siskinds and its Québec-based affiliate Siskinds Desmeules have filed proposed class action lawsuits on behalf of all Canadians diagnosed with Parkinson’s 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 chemical used as a herbicide marketed under the name Gramoxone® in Canada. It has been manufactured by the Syngenta entities since 1963.

There is research that suggests exposure to paraquat, the main active ingredient in Gramoxone®, increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s. A 2011 study of agriculture workers found Parkinson’s 2.5 times as often in those who reported use of paraquat compared with non-users. There have also been systemic reviews and meta-analyses that suggest exposure to paraquat is linked to an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s.

Legal proceedings

Siskinds Desmeules is seeking financial compensation on behalf of all Canadians who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s 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 have Parkinson’s or if you know someone who has, Siskinds may be able to help.

For more information, visit Siskinds’ website or contact: