Wesseling C, van Wendel de Joode B, Ruepert C, León C, Monge P, Hermosilla H, and Partanen T, Paraquat in developing countries, International Journal of Occupational Health 7(4), 275-286, 2001

In developing countries the factors that determine exposure to paraquat continue to be the same today as thirty years ago. High rates of acute poisoning with paraquat, both suicidal and unintentional, have been documented in many countries and in recent years. Local-ised skin damage (including dermatoses and burns), eye injuries, nail damage and nose-bleed occur in a high proportion of exposed workers. Damage to the lungs may be delayed after the absorption of paraquat and long-term exposure may lead to Parkinsons’ disease. There is also evidence that paraquat may cause skin cancer. Regulatory agencies have not fully recognised either the inherent toxicity of paraquat for humans or the particular risks derived from exposures in developing countries. In developing countries there is a need for indepent risk assessment and for a precautionary approach to prevent harm from dangerous pesticides such as paraquat.