Syngenta battles legal turbulence over paraquat and its alleged links to Parkinson’s disease, as courtrooms brim with claims that could redefine responsibilities in agriculture.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly 6,000 pending lawsuits claim paraquat exposure causes Parkinson’s disease.
- Paraquat is categorized by the EPA as a “restricted use” pesticide.
- Syngenta has settled some federal claims without admitting liability.
- Average settlements are speculated between $100,000 and $150,000.
- First bellwether trial expected in October 2025.
Syngenta’s Legal Conundrum
Thousands of lawsuits position Syngenta under a microscope, asserting that exposure to its paraquat herbicide contributes to Parkinson’s disease. Legal proceedings show 5,911 claims still pending as of April 2025, indicating a significant challenge for the chemical manufacturer. Plaintiffs assert that Syngenta and Chevron, among others, disregarded the severity of paraquat’s potential health impacts. The litigation terrain was altered in 2021 with cases consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in Illinois.
In April 2025, Syngenta reached an agreement to settle numerous federal court cases. Though choosing settlement, the company has refrained from admitting any wrongdoing. “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,” Syngenta stated.
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 Ongoing Controversy Over Safety
Paraquat, known for its potent application in agriculture, remains labeled “restricted use” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), necessitating licensed handlers due to its high toxicity. The average settlements from claims involving paraquat hover between $100,000 and $150,000. Plaintiffs continue to argue that manufacturers failed to adequately inform users of the long-term risks such as Parkinson’s disease, a progressive ailment impacting mobility and other functions.
Concerns loom large regarding equity among plaintiffs. Some attorneys representing clients outside the MDL express discontent over exclusion from settlement conversations. Settled cases aim to stave off costly litigation, recalling Bayer’s legal ordeal over Roundup. Some internal documents hint at Syngenta’s awareness of health risks, alleging attempts to manipulate scientific understanding.
"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
Impacts and Future Legal Challenges
Paraquat’s effects are prominent among agricultural practitioners and residents near treated areas. Heightening the stakes, the first bellwether trial will commence on October 14, 2025, while other trials are delayed, creating ripples of frustration throughout the legal landscape. As settlements evolve, those afflicted by paraquat cling to the hope for justice and recognition of their grievances. An enduring debate forecasts that the issue of paraquat might compel broader scrutiny over chemical safety in industries reliant on such substances.
The debate surrounding paraquat’s future calls for transparency regarding settlement outcomes. As litigation progresses, advocates persist in seeking equitable remedies tailored to the diverse impact on affected communities.
Sources:
- https://www.drugwatch.com/paraquat/lawsuits/
- https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/15/syngenta-weedkiller-parkinsons
- https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/agrichemical-giant-syngenta-to-settle-thousands-of-lawsuits-claiming-weedkiller-causes-parkinsons/
