Legal Storm Brews Over Health Concerns From Syngenta’s Paraquat

Syngenta finds itself in the eye of a legal storm as allegations over paraquat, linked to Parkinson’s disease, continue to mount.

Quick Takes

Thousands of lawsuits claim paraquat causes Parkinson’s disease.
5,911 paraquat cases were pending as of April 2025.
The herbicide is classified as “restricted use” by the EPA.
Settlement discussions exclude many plaintiffs’ lawyers.

Overview of Legal Proceedings

By April 2025, manufacturers like Syngenta and Chevron faced 5,911 lawsuits concerning paraquat, claimed to induce Parkinson’s disease. These cases are part of a broader legal strategy that began in 2017, leading to 7,300 suits by 2023. The United States Environmental Protection Agency categorizes paraquat as “restricted use,” necessitating licensed operators’ handling. This classification underscores the severity of its application, as plaintiffs allege inadequate safety warnings and information.

The paraquat cases saw a consolidation into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in Illinois in 2021. Syngenta and a co-defendant reached a settlement for $187.5 million in 2021, as the company sought to manage extensive litigation. Settlement amounts are speculated to fall between $100,000 and $150,000 each. Meanwhile, further trials face delays, with the first bellwether trial in the MDL set for October 14, 2025. A Philadelphia case is slated for late May, revealing the legal complexities involved.

Breaking news- Syngenta moving to settle thousands of lawsuits claiming paraquat causes Parkinson's disease: https://t.co/nrjS34tn4z
Lawyers for plaintiffs in cases outside the MDL expressed frustration with the situation, saying they were not included in the settlement…

— GMO/Toxin Free USA (@GMOFreeUSA) April 15, 2025

The Science Behind the Claims

Exposure to paraquat can occur via direct contact, inhalation, ingestion, or proximity to treated areas. Agricultural workers, farmers, and surrounding residents bear the brunt of exposure risks. Research indicates a heightened Parkinson’s risk, although Syngenta insists paraquat’s safety is intact. Internal documents, however, suggest potential health risks were known to Syngenta, raising concerns about the integrity of available scientific research.

Syngenta’s defense cites over 1,200 studies on paraquat, none conclusively linking it to Parkinson’s. Yet, plaintiffs argue otherwise, with new legal representation advocating for transparency and justice. Claims against Syngenta include omissions in safety instructions, exacerbating concerns. The need for awareness and regulatory foresight becomes apparent as advocacy for a paraquat ban intensifies.

"Besieged by thousands of lawsuits alleging that its paraquat weedkiller causes Parkinson’s disease, @Syngenta has entered into an agreement aimed at settling large swaths of those claims.

Numerous scientific studies have linked Parkinson’s to exposure to paraquat, a weedkiller… pic.twitter.com/ZTGkhL3zKx

— Children’s Health Defense (@ChildrensHD) April 16, 2025

Industry Implications and Public Response

The expansive use of paraquat in U.S. agriculture amplifies the herbicide’s impact. Movements similar to Bayer’s Roundup litigation showcase the financial and operational implications for agrochemical giants like Syngenta. Observers note that current settlements aim to circumvent exhaustive courtroom battles and their associated costs. Discontent brews among legal representatives excluded from settlement discussions, fearing imbalances in client compensation.

According to the company, “Syngenta has settled certain claims in the federal Multi-District Litigation (MDL) and California court in the United States related to paraquat. Syngenta believes there is no merit to the claims, but litigation can be distracting and costly. Entering into the agreement in no way implies that paraquat causes Parkinson’s disease or that Syngenta has done anything wrong. We stand by the safety of paraquat.”

Despite ongoing settlements, Syngenta stands firm in its claim of paraquat’s safety, despite accusations suggesting otherwise. Those advocating for increased regulation and awareness highlight the need for transparent communications between agrochemical companies and the public. Resources like the Parkinson’s Foundation provide support for affected individuals, signifying advocacy’s vital role in remedying damages caused by negligence in agrochemical safety.