The most common route of exposure to paraquat is through ingestion, and pre-hospital care may include administration of activated charcoal, Fuller’s earth, or binding paraquat to prevent inhalation of the chemical. If paraquat is ingested, victims should quickly remove clothing and wash their body with soap and water. They should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Symptoms of paraquat exposure may include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
High toxicity
While the symptoms of paraquat poisoning are not usually life threatening, they are serious. They often include prompt vomiting, need for intensive care, and multi-organ failure. In case of paraquat poisoning, there is no proven antidote. The best way to prevent paraquat poisoning is to avoid its exposure as much as possible. The good news is that it is relatively rare.
Long-term effects
The long-term effects of frequent exposure to paraquated are not known, but they frequent exposure to paraquat can be detrimental. Paraquat may damage the lungs when inhaled, and it has several receptors on lung cells. Because of this, it is not uncommon to see this herbicide sprayed on residential areas. This practice is known as drift. It is a problem because it can spread to new areas.
Increased risk of Parkinson’s disease
Recent studies have shown that frequent exposure to pesticides like paraquat may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The findings are consistent with those of other studies that have shown increased risk for Parkinson’s disease. However, more research is needed to determine the exact causes of increased risk. Until then, the risk for Parkinson’s disease is unclear. Nevertheless, it is important to understand the risks of pesticides in order to reduce them.
Long-term effects on reproductive health
Among other chemicals, paraquat is a well-known toxicant of the mitochondria, which play a vital role in cellular metabolism and development. It also plays a role in reproduction, as mitochondria carry multiple copies of the genome. Chronic exposure to paraquat can alter mitochondrial function and affect reproduction, lifespan, and gene expression. This research highlights the important role of the mitochondria in reproductive health and longevity.
Increased risk of suicide
The World Health Organization published data on the prevalence of suicide in 2011, with South Korea ranking third among 105 countries. The lifetime prevalence of suicide in the community sample was 3.2%, and the annual suicide rate increased from 24.8 per 100,000 people in 2005 to 31.8 in 2011. This increased rate has since decreased, but is still above the global average. The ban on paraquat may be one contributing factor.