Syngenta’s Legal Battles Over The Herbicide Paraquat Explored

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Syngenta takes the heat with numerous lawsuits accusing its paraquat herbicide of causing Parkinson’s disease, yet legal battles continue amid settlement strategies.

Key Takeaways

  • Thousands of lawsuits target paraquat herbicide for alleged links to Parkinson’s disease.
  • Syngenta and Chevron have faced 5,911 pending cases as of April 2025.
  • Paraquat is classified as “restricted use” by the U.S. EPA.
  • Exposure to paraquat risks affecting farmers and residents near treated lands.
  • Settlement aims to prevent protracted litigation without admitting liability.

Legal Storm Brewing Over Paraquat

Syngenta and Chevron face legal challenges over allegations linking paraquat to Parkinson’s disease. As of April 2025, nearly 5,911 cases remain active, following the filing of the initial suits in 2017, which rose to approximately 7,300 by 2023. Classified as “restricted use” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), paraquat requires licensed users for application. Despite the controversy, paraquat remains in use across the agriculture sector nationwide.

Among the plaintiffs are agricultural workers and residents near treated farmland who argue that manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings about the herbicide’s risks. Research suggests a notable increase in Parkinson’s disease risk with paraquat exposure, which can occur through direct contact, inhalation, ingestion, or living near treated areas. The chemical’s high toxicity makes even small amounts lethal if ingested, raising concerns over its safety.

Settlement Dynamics and Disputes

Syngenta’s strategy has been to settle numerous lawsuits to curb litigation costs and distraction. “Syngenta has settled certain claims in the federal Multi-District Litigation (MDL) and California court,” the company reiterated, denying any wrongdoing or causation claims regarding Parkinson’s disease. The first bellwether trial is expected in October 2025, significantly delayed amid ongoing settlement efforts.

Settlements have reached $187.5 million in some cases, with average amounts speculated between $100,000 to $150,000 per claim. Plaintiffs outside the MDL have expressed frustration over perceived inequalities in settlement discussions. Trials face multiple delays, and a Philadelphia case aims to start by the end of May 2025. Concerns about future ramifications and equitable compensation persist among plaintiffs and their representatives.

The Broader Implications and Future Directions

The ongoing litigation surrounding paraquat and Syngenta draws parallels to Bayer’s Roundup litigation experience, emphasizing settlement agreements to avoid prolonged court battles. Lawyers outside the MDL claim some of their clients may suffer from unequal benefits, with internal documents hinting at awareness of potential health risks by the manufacturers.

As trials continue to face postponements, affected individuals remain in legal limbo. Advocates and critics alike push for a complete ban on the substance given its associated risks, and calls for greater scrutiny continue. The complex discussions surrounding paraquat’s future will significantly impact the agriculture industry and the plaintiffs seeking justice from these lawsuits.

Sources:

  1. https://www.drugwatch.com/paraquat/lawsuits/
  2. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/15/syngenta-weedkiller-parkinsons
  3. https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/agrichemical-giant-syngenta-to-settle-thousands-of-lawsuits-claiming-weedkiller-causes-parkinsons/

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