Paraquat litigation · Evidence guide
The paraquat cases ask courts to weigh a genuinely contested Parkinson's record
Plaintiffs allege paraquat exposure caused Parkinson's disease. EPA says the studies conflict and has not found a clear link from labeled uses, while its regulatory review continues.
What plaintiffs allege
The centralized lawsuits allege that paraquat exposure caused Parkinson's disease. The JPML grouped cases with that shared question, but centralization is not a finding that paraquat causes the disease generally or in any one person.
Why the science remains disputed
EPA says the epidemiological literature contains conflicting results and that it has not found a clear link between labeled paraquat uses and Parkinson's disease. A 2020 Agricultural Health Study analysis did not reproduce an earlier paraquat association. That study matters, but one cohort cannot by itself settle the entire literature or an individual's exposure history.
EPA's registration review remains active. The agency is also seeking more information after newer vapor-pressure data increased uncertainty about possible volatilization and bystander exposure. Regulatory review and civil liability use different legal standards.
A dated view of the federal docket
MDL 3004 is in the Southern District of Illinois before Chief Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel. JPML listed 6,665 actions pending on August 3, 2026. The count does not establish exposure, diagnosis or outcome.
Verification ledger
Primary sources
Paraquat transfer order
The official scope of the centralized allegations.
MDL 3004, Document 506
Paraquat Dichloride
EPA's current scientific position and ongoing review.
Human health · Registration Review
Pesticide use and incident Parkinson's disease
The updated Agricultural Health Study cohort analysis.
PMID 32919961 · DOI 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110186
Pending MDLs
The dated federal docket snapshot.
Page 1, MDL 3004