PARAQUAT
FACT SHEET
What is paraquat?
Paraquat is a toxic liquid chemical that is widely used as a plant killer. People who are licensed applicators can only use paraquat. Safeguard additives (blue dye, a sharp odor, and an added agent) are sometimes used in the chemical to avoid confusion with other products and to cause vomiting in case someone drinks it.
How can you be exposed to paraquat?
The most common route of exposure is through ingestion. You may not know that the food, water or other drinks are paraquat-contaminated, if the safeguard additives are not used. You can also be exposed through inhalation or the skin being exposed for a long period of time.
How soon does an exposed person show symptoms?
The symptoms will depend on the amount, route and length of time exposed to paraquat.
What are the symptoms?
If ingested, you can experience mouth and throat pain with swelling, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Extreme exposure to the blister agents can possibly cause tremors, lack of coordination and seizures. If small to medium amounts of paraquat have been ingested, you may develop poor health effects such as fluid in the lungs, confusion, coma, seizures, fast heart rate, muscle weakness and problems breathing within a few hours to a few days. If large amounts are ingested, it may lead to poor health effects within several days to several weeks such as liver, kidney and heart failure and lung scarring.
What should I do if I think I have been exposed to paraquat?
If the poison was ingested, avoid any further ingestion and call 911 at once. If you think you have been exposed to liquid paraquat on your clothes or body, remove your clothing and quickly wash your entire body with soap and water. If your eyes are burning or your vision is blurred, rinse them with plain water for 10 to 15 minutes. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before rinsing your eyes. Place your contaminated clothes and contact lenses into a plastic bag and seal. Place the bag into a second plastic bag and seal. Call 911 for medical attention right away and removal of the contaminated items. Do not drive yourself to the hospital as you may become very ill on your way.
Where can I get more information on paraquat?
Regional Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222)
Source of information:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)