Home > Chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s Disease Lawsuit
Were You (or a Loved One) Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease After Being Exposed to Chlorpyrifos Insecticide Products?
Chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s Lawsuits & Settlements
Reviewed by Jacobs Kolton, Chtd. Attorneys at Law; Updated June 2026
Chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s disease lawsuits involve claims that pesticide manufacturers, sellers, distributors, and other responsible parties may have failed to adequately warn farmworkers, pesticide applicators, agricultural employees, and nearby residents about potential neurological risks of long-term exposure to the insecticide chlorpyrifos, including the development of Parkinson’s disease or Parkinsonism.
Our team of products liability injury lawyers and class action attorneys is investigating potential chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s disease lawsuit cases and settlement claims involving individuals who were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after using or being exposed to chlorpyrifos.
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after being exposed to chlorpyrifos insecticide products, you may be entitled to recover compensation from a chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s disease lawsuit case or settlement claim.
Chlorpyrifos (also known as chlorpyrifos ethyl) is an organophosphate pesticide (a class of chemical compounds containing phosphorus) that has been used primarily as an insecticide to kill, repel, or control foliage- and soil-borne insect pests on a wide range of agricultural crops, as well as an acaricide and miticide to target arachnids such as ticks and mites in certain agricultural and non-food settings.
Chlorpyrifos can affect the nervous system by interfering with an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, which normally helps control nerve signaling. When this enzyme is blocked, chemical messages can build up and overstimulate nerves, which may lead to harmful effects on the brain and body. Because it affects nerve signaling, chlorpyrifos has been the subject of scientific, medical, and regulatory concern involving potential neurological harm in humans, including the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, coordination, and other body functions. Parkinson’s develops when certain nerve cells in the brain, especially dopamine-producing neurons in an area called the substantia nigra that are involved in movement control, become damaged or die. Dopamine helps control smooth, coordinated movement, so as dopamine levels fall, symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slow movement, and balance problems can appear.
Unfortunately, research has increasingly linked chlorpyrifos exposure to neurological injury, including an elevated risk of Parkinson’s disease. As a result, individuals with significant occupational, agricultural, residential, or environmental exposure to chlorpyrifos may face an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease or Parkinson’s-like symptoms.
Parkinson’s disease victims (and families of loved ones who died from Parkinsons) are now coming forward and filing chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s disease lawsuits seeking compensation and justice for the harm and suffering they may have endured after being exposed to chlorpyrifos.
Chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s Disease Lawsuit: Overview
- What Is The Chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s Lawsuit About?
- What Is Chlorpyrifos Insecticide?
- What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
- Are Attorneys Investigating Chlorpyrifos Injury Cases?
- Who May Qualify For a Chlorpyrifos Lawsuit or Settlement?
- What Are Some Key Facts About Chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s Claims?
- What Companies May Be Sued Over Chlorpyrifos Injuries?
- Which Pesticide Brands May Be Involved In Chlorpyrifos Litigation?
- Who May Have Been Exposed To Chlorpyrifos Pesticides?
- What Crops Has Chlorpyrifos Been Used On?
- Where Has Chlorpyrifos Been Used In The United States?
- Are There Different Types of Chlorpyrifos Pesticides?
- How Was Chlorpyrifos Used, Applied or Sprayed?
- What is The Status of Chlorpyrifos Lawsuits?
- Have Studies Linked Parkinson’s Disease to Chlorpyrifos Exposure?
- Has Chlorpyrifos Been Banned or Restricted By Any Governments?
- What Are Possible Signs or Symptoms Of Parkinson’s Disease?
- How Do Parkinson’s Disease Complications Progress Over Time?
- Can I Recover Compensation From a Chlorpyrifos Lawsuit?
- Can Families Recover Money in Chlorpyrifos Wrongful Death Cases?
- Is There A Deadline To File a Chlorpyrifos Lawsuit?
- Request A Free Case Review From A Chlorpyrifos Injury Lawyer
Chlorpyrifos Lawsuit & Settlement Claims
Chlorpyrifos lawsuit and settlement cases potentially being investigated include claims involving individuals who, after using or being exposed to chlorpyrifos pesticides, suffered injury or complications including:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Toxic parkinsonism
- Chlorpyrifos-associated Parkinson’s disease
- Tremors
- Slowed movement
- Muscle stiffness
- Shuffling steps/gait
- Balance problems
- Postural instability
- Reduced arm swing
- Small handwriting
- Soft or mumbled speech
- Reduced facial expressions
- Stooped posture
- Freezing while walking
- Frequent falls
- Drooling
- Swallowing problems
- Autonomic dysfunction
- Vision loss
- Loss of smell
- Cognitive issues
- Memory loss
- Speech language issues
- Executive functioning issues
- Hallucinations
- Delusions/paranoia
- Dementia
- Mood disorders
- Sleep disorder
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Death
- Other pesticide injury or complications
If you (or a loved one) were diagnosed with or suffered from Parkinson disease or Parkinsonism symptoms after exposure to chlorpyrifos pesticide chemicals, you may be eligible to recover compensation from a chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s disease lawsuit or settlement case.
Who May Qualify for a Chlorpyrifos Insecticide Parkinson’s Disease Lawsuit Case
Individuals may qualify for a chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s disease lawsuit case or settlement claim if they (or a loved one):
- Were Exposed to Chlorpyrifos Insecticide Products: Used or were exposed to one or more chlorpyrifos pesticide products over a long period of time. Chlorpyrifos can enter the body through the skin (dermal exposure handling concentrate, mixing/loading pesticide, touching treated crops, contaminated soil, equipment, clothing, boots, gloves, or vehicle interiors), through the lungs (breathing spray mist, pesticide drift, vapors, volatilized residues, contaminated dust, or particles from treated fields) and/or through the mouth (swallowing contaminated food, water, dust, residue on hands, or other residue)
- Suffered Injury or Death From Parkinson’s Disease: Suffered from Parkinson’s disease or Parkinsonism and related injury or complications as a result of long-term exposure to chlorpyrifos insecticide products, including tremors, slowed movement (bradykinesia), muscle stiffness, postural instability, stooped posture, shuffling gait, balance issues, reduced arm swing, frequent falls, freezing while walking, drooling, swallowing problems, autonomic dysfunction, sensory issues, speech language issues, small handwriting, reduced facial expressions, cognitive impairment, memory loss, dementia and/or death.
Other criteria may apply in order to be eligible. Not all individuals or cases qualify for a chlorpyrifos lawsuit. Individuals may not qualify if: (1) medical factors or other factors make it difficult to link the injuries to chlorpyrifos; (2) the duration of exposure to chlorpyrifos was too short; (4) the amount of time between first exposure to chlorpyrifos and diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease or Parkinsonism was not long enough; (5) the claim is outside the statute of limitations or statute of repose period (if an individual waits too long they may be legally barred from suing); and/or (6) medical records do not support the chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s disease claims. Individuals may not qualify for other reasons.
Chloryrifos Parkinson’s Lawsuit: Summary of Key Information
| Key Information | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Chlorpyrifos | Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide used primarily to control foliage and soil-borne insect pests on a variety of food and feed crops and other agricultural uses. |
| Organophosphate Insecticide | An organophosphate insecticide is a pesticide that contains phosphorus, a chemical compound that affects the nervous system by interfering with enzymes needed for normal nerve signaling. |
| Pesticide | A pesticide is a substance used to kill, repel, or control pests, including insects, fungi, rodents, and mites. An acaricide is a pesticide used to control ticks and mites, while a miticide is a type of acaricide used specifically to control mites. |
| Common Uses of Chlorpyrifos | Chlorpyrifos has been used mainly as an agricultural insecticide to control foliage and soil-borne pests on crops such as soybeans, alfalfa, corn, fruit and nut trees, broccoli, cauliflower, and other row crops. It has also been used for cattle ear tags, golf course turf, industrial sites, wood treatments, mosquito control, fire ant control, and certain bait products. Many of these uses are now banned or restricted in certain jurisdictions due to health concerns. |
| Parkinson’s Disease | Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the brain and nervous system. It develops when certain nerve cells in the substantia nigra area of the brain become damaged or die. These cells normally help produce dopamine, a chemical messenger that helps the brain control smooth and coordinated body movement and supports mood, motivation, attention, sleep, thinking, and other non-motor functions. When dopamine levels drop, the brain has more difficulty controlling movement and other non-motor functions. |
| Parkinson’s Signs/Symptoms | Possible signs or symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include: tremors, slowed movement (bradykinesia), muscle stiffness, shuffling gait/steps, balance problems, reduced arm swing, small handwriting, soft or mumbled speech, masked facial expressions (hypomimia), stooped posture, freezing while walking, frequent falls, loss of smell, vision loss, depression drooling, swallowing problems, cognitive impairment , memory loss, executive functioning loss, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, dementia, aspiration pneumonia and other possible Parkinsonian signs or symptoms. |
| Chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s Lawsuit | A legal action brought by plaintiffs (injured individuals or certain surviving family members or heirs of a deceased individual) against one or more defendant (the sued party) alleging that exposure to chlorpyrifos caused or contributed to the injured person developing Parkinson’s disease and seeking to recover compensation in the form of money damages. |
| Chlorpyrifos Products | Chlorpyrifos products potentially involved in litigation may include Lorsban, Dursban, Durashield, Lock-On, Cobalt, Warhawk, Bolton, NuFos, Pilot, Pyrinex, Vulcan, Scotts ProTurf Insecticide, Drexel Chlorpyrifos Concentrate, Drexel CHLOR-PY-REX, Chlorpyrifos Insecticide, Chlorpyrifos 4E AG, 15G or 75WG, Govern, Hatchet, Yuma and other chlorpyrifos insecticide products. |
| Potential Defendants | Possible defendants in chlorpyrifos lawsuits may include Dow Chemical, Dow AgroSciences, Corteva Agriscience, ADAMA, Gharda Chemicals, Drexel Chemical Company, Loveland Products, FMC, Kaizenor and other possible defendants. |
| Possible Legal Claims | A chlorpyrifos lawsuit may include legal claims for failure to warn, defective design, negligence, strict liability, misrepresentation, breach of warranty, and other possible claims. In cases where a victim died from Parkinson complications, surviving family members may potentially bring wrongful death or survival claims. |
| Helpful Evidence | Helpful evidence in chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s disease cases may include medical records confirming a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, records showing exposure to chlorpyrifos, pesticide application records, employment records, farm or crop records, product names such as Lorsban or Dursban, safety data sheets, purchase receipts, photographs of pesticide containers, witness statements, residential history near treated fields, and expert opinions explaining how chlorpyrifos exposure may have contributed to the disease. | |
| Possible Compensation | Depending on the facts of the case and jurisdiction, plaintiffs in chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s disease cases may seek compensation for medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, disability, emotional distress, and other damages related to the diagnosis and progression of Parkinson’s disease. In cases where Parkinson’s disease contributed to a person’s death, surviving family members may also be able to pursue wrongful death damages, such as compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, loss of services, and other damages. |
| Status of Litigation | Attorneys are reviewing potential chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s disease lawsuit cases for people who developed Parkinson’s disease after long-term exposure to chlorpyrifos through farm work, pesticide application, agricultural drift, or living near treated areas. |
Chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s Lawsuit Complaints
Farmers, agricultural workers, gardeners, landscapers, pest-control technicians, greenhouse workers, nursery workers, residents living near sprayed fields and/or other individuals who were exposed to chlorpyrifos pesticides and then later developed Parkinson’s disease (and family of loved ones who may have died from Parkinson’s disease) are filing chlorpyrifos lawsuits seeking to recover monetary compensation.
Chlorpyrifos lawsuit complaints may allege that manufacturers and sellers of chlorpyrifos-containing insecticides knew or should have known that exposure to chlorpyrifos may be associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, but failed to warn users, workers, and nearby communities about the risk of long-term neurological injury.
The chlorpyrifos lawsuit cases may assert legal claims (or causes of action) for, among other things, failure to warn, design defect, negligence, strict product liability, breach of warranty, misrepresentation, fraud, and/or violation of consumer protection statutes.
The chlorpyrifos lawsuit cases may seek recovery of money damages to compensate for pain and suffering, mental anguish or emotional distress, loss of wages or income due to missed work, loss of future earning capacity, medical care expenses incurred, future cost of medical treatment, other out of pocket expenses, loss of quality or enjoyment of life, disability, loss of consortium and/or wrongful death damages (in cases where a victim died).
Who May Be Sued For Chlorpyrifos Injuries
Companies who may be named as defendants in chlorpyrifos lawsuit cases may include those that manufactured, formulated, marketed, distributed, sold, supplied, or applied chlorpyrifos-containing insecticide and pesticide products, including for example:
- Dow Chemical
- Dow AgroSciences
- Corteva Agriscience
- ADAMA
- Gharda Chemicals
- Drexel Chemical Company
- Loveland Products
- FMC
- Kaizen
- Other potential chlorpyrifos defendants
Defendants who may be sued for chlorpyrifos injuries might include other agricultural chemical distributors, pesticide retailers, crop supply companies, local farm supply businesses, commercial pesticide applicators, farms, orchards, nurseries, or agricultural businesses that used chlorpyrifos products.
A chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s disease lawsuit may name more than one defendant because several companies or entities may have played a role in the injured party’s exposure to chlorpyrifos. A chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s disease lawyer may investigate additional companies depending on the facts of the case, including, among other things, the product label, EPA registration number, purchase records, pesticide application logs, employment records, and pesticide-use records.
Pesticide Products In Chlorpyrifos Litigation
Chlorpyrifos insecticide products potentially involved in litigation may include, among others, the following Chlorpyrifos pesticides:
- Chlorpyrifos
- Lorsban
- Dursban
- Durashield
- Lock-On
- Cobalt
- Warhawk
- Bolton
- NuFos
- Pilot
- Pyrinex
- Vulcan
- Scotts ProTurf Insecticide
- Drexel Chlorpyrifos Concentrate
- Drexel CHLOR-PY-REX Chlorpyrifos Insecticide
- Chlorpyrifos 4E AG
- Chlorpyrifos 15G
- Chlorpyrifos 75WG
- Govern
- Hatchet
- Yuma
- Other chlorpyrifos insecticides or pesticides
Chlorpyrifos Lawsuit & Settlement Updates
Recent updates about chlorpyrifos lawsuits and settlements include:
- June 2026: Chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s disease lawsuits are an emerging area of pesticide litigation. Chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s litigation is in the early development phase. Attorneys are investigating potential chlorpyrifos lawsuits involving those who were diagnosed with or suffered from Parkinson’s disease after using or being exposed to chlorpyrifos insecticide products. No centralized chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s disease MDL proceedings has been announced yet and no global chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s disease settlements have been announced yet.
Chlorpyrifos Pesticide Exposure Claims
Individuals who may have been exposed to chlorpyrifos include those who sprayed or used chlorpyrifos insecticide products or came into contact with chlorpyrifos over a long period of time, including, for example:
- Farmers
- Farm workers
- Agricultural workers
- Crop field workers
- Farm laborers and migrant workers
- Farm owners
- Pesticide applicators
- Insecticide sprayers
- Knapsack or backpack sprayer
- Handheld sprayer
- Motorized sprayer
- Tractor or truck driver
- Agriculture inspectors
- Field scout or crop consultant
- Agriculture graders and sorters
- Agriculture equipment operators
- Nursery employees
- Garden center employees
- Greenhouse workers
- Horticulture workers
- Landscapers
- Professional gardeners
- Groundskeepers
- Ground maintenance workers
- Pest control workers or exterminators
- Termite treatment workers
- Vineyard workers
- Orchard worker
- Residents who lived near treated area
- Others exposed to chlorpyrifos insecticide
Exposure to chlorpyrifos may occur through breathing pesticide mist, vapors, dust, or drift; getting the chemical on the skin or clothing; handling treated crops, soil, containers, tanks, hoses, or spray equipment; entering fields, greenhouses, orchards, vineyards, nurseries, or other treated areas; transporting, storing, mixing, loading, cleaning, or disposing of chlorpyrifos products; or bringing pesticide residue home on boots, clothing, tools, vehicles, or equipment.
Chlorpyrifos has historically been used on crops such as apples, citrus, cotton, soybeans, corn, strawberries, sugar beets, wheat, alfalfa, asparagus, peaches, tart cherries, and other agricultural products. Chlorpyrifos has also been used to treat non-food uses such as cotton, nursery and landscape ornamentals, cattle ear tags, Christmas trees, golf course turf, greenhouse plants, as well as non-structural wood treatments such as utility poles and fence posts, building perimeters, cockroach bait stations, and as a mosquito adulticide.
Agricultural Crops Chlorpyrifos Has Been Used On
Most chlorpyrifos use in the United States was historically agricultural, with EPA estimates showing that farm-related applications accounted for the overwhelming majority of reported use, while non-agricultural uses made up only a small share.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has estimated that hundreds of millions of pounds of chlorpyrifos were used agriculturally across the United States since at least 1992 on crops such as corn, soybeans, orchards and grapes, alfalfa, wheat, cotton, vegetables and fruits, pasture and hay and other crops.
Chlorpyrifos has been used on a wide range of agricultural crops in the United States, but the largest uses were concentrated in a smaller group of crops. The EPA has estimated that soybeans, alfalfa, and corn together accounted for nearly 50% of total U.S. chlorpyrifos use by volume, with soybeans alone making up nearly 25%.
Chlorpyrifos was most commonly used on the following crops:
- Soybeans
- Alfalfa
- Corn
- Almonds
- Oranges
- Apples
- Grapefruit
- Asparagus
- Walnuts
- Grapes
- Cherries
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Onions
- Peanuts
- Pecans
- Sugar beets
- Wheat
- Other crops
Locations Where Chlorpyrifos Has Been Used
Chlorpyrifos use was most concentrated in regions with intensive crop production, particularly areas dominated by large-scale row crops and other high-value agricultural systems.
Locations with the highest estimated chlorpyrifos use include the Midwest and Great Plains (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Oklahoma), Southeast (Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina), Northeast and Mid-Atlantic (Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia), Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, and Idaho), and parts of California and Texas.
Types of Chlorpyrifos Formulations
Chlorpyrifos products have been available in several pesticide formulations designed for different application methods and pest-control settings. Common formulations include emulsifiable concentrates, wettable powders, water-dispersible granules, granules, dustable powders, and other liquid or dry formulations. These formulations affect how the pesticide is mixed, handled, and applied. For example, liquid formulations may be diluted and sprayed using equipment such as groundboom sprayers, aircraft, hand-wands, backpack sprayers, or mechanically pressurized handguns, while granular formulations may be applied with equipment such as tractor-drawn spreaders or belly grinders.
The availability of multiple formulations allowed chlorpyrifos to be used across a wide range of agricultural and non-food settings. Sprayable formulations were commonly suited for treating foliage or soil-borne insect pests on crops, while granular or dust formulations could be used where dry application was more appropriate.
Because formulation type can affect exposure risk, drift potential, and worker handling requirements, chlorpyrifos labels typically include specific instructions for personal protective equipment, mixing, loading, and application methods.
How Chlorpyrifos Has Been Applied
Chlorpyrifos has been applied using a range of agricultural and pest-control equipment, depending on the crop, formulation, and treatment site. Sprayable formulations may be applied with groundboom sprayers, aircraft, hand-wands, backpack sprayers, and mechanically pressurized handguns, while granular formulations may be applied with equipment such as tractor-drawn spreaders or belly grinders. These methods allowed chlorpyrifos to be used in both large-scale agricultural settings, such as field crops and orchards, and smaller or more targeted applications.
Application method matters because it can affect how much pesticide reaches the target area, how much may drift away from the application site, and what kinds of exposure risks workers may face. For example, aerial and groundboom applications are suited for larger crop areas, while hand-wands, backpack sprayers, and handguns are more targeted but may involve closer contact between the applicator and the pesticide. Because of these risks, chlorpyrifos labels and EPA assessments include restrictions and safety requirements related to application equipment, protective gear, spray drift, and worker re-entry intervals.
Studies Linking Chlorpyrifos to Parkinson’s Disease
Several research studies have raised concerns about neurological risks from chlorpyrifos exposure or other organophosphorus pesticide exposure, including emerging evidence linking long-term exposure to increased Parkinson’s disease risk.
| Medical Study | Summary |
|---|---|
| Hasan, K.M.M., Barnhill, L.M., Paul, K.C., et al. The pesticide chlorpyrifos increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Molecular Neurodegeneration. 2026;21:3. doi:10.1186/s13024-025-00915-z. | This human epidemiological and laboratory study found that long-term residential exposure to chlorpyrifos was associated with more than a 2.5-fold increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. Animal experiments also found movement problems, loss of dopamine-producing neurons, brain inflammation, and abnormal alpha-synuclein buildup after chlorpyrifos exposure. |
| Hatcher, J.M., Pennell, K.D., & Miller, G.W. Parkinson’s disease and pesticides: A toxicological perspective. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences. 2008;29(6):322–329. doi:10.1016/j.tips.2008.03.007. | This toxicological review discussed biological mechanisms by which pesticides may contribute to Parkinson’s disease. The review noted that chlorpyrifos exposure in mice decreased movement-related activity and affected dopamine uptake, which is relevant because Parkinson’s disease involves damage to dopamine-producing brain systems. |
| Narayan, S., Liew, Z., Paul, K., Lee, P.-C., Sinsheimer, J. S., Bronstein, J. M., & Ritz, B. (2013). Household organophosphorus pesticide use and Parkinson’s disease. International Journal of Epidemiology, 42(5), 1476-1485. | This population-based case-control study, into domestic environments indicates that frequent use of household pesticides containing organophosphates increases the odds of developing Parkinson’s disease by 71% |
| Wang, A., Cockburn, M., Ly, T. T., Bronstein, J. M., & Ritz, B. (2014). The association between ambient exposure to organophosphates and Parkinson’s disease risk. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 71(4), 275–281. doi:10.1136/oemed-2013-101394. | This case-control study of 357 Parkinson’s disease cases and 752 controls using GIS-based exposure estimates for 36 organophosphate pesticides from 1974–1999 reported that ambient exposure to organophosphates was associated with increased Parkinson’s disease risk, with stronger patterns as the number of organophosphate pesticides increased. |
| Narayan, S., Liew, Z., Bronstein, J. M., & Ritz, B. (2017). Occupational pesticide use and Parkinson’s disease in the Parkinson Environment Gene (PEG) study. Environment International, 107, 266–273. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2017.04.010. | This human occupational-exposure study found that occupational use of organophosphorus pesticides was associated with roughly doubled Parkinson’s disease risk. |
| Ali, S. J., Ellur, G., Patel, K., Sharan, K., & Singh, S. S. (2019). Chlorpyrifos Exposure Induces Parkinsonian Symptoms and Associated Bone Loss in Adult Swiss Albino Mice. Neurotoxicity Research, 36(4), 700–711. doi:10.1007/s12640-019-00058-2. PMID: 31367921. | Animal study reported Parkinson-like symptoms in mice after chlorpyrifos exposure. |
| Manthripragada, A. D., Costello, S., Cockburn, M. G., Bronstein, J. M., & Ritz, B. (2010). Paraoxonase 1, agricultural organophosphate exposure, and Parkinson disease. Epidemiology, 21(1), 87–94. doi:10.1097/EDE.0b013e3181c15ec6. | This human case-control study examined chlorpyrifos and two other organophosphate pesticides and found an increased Parkinson’s disease risk among people with certain PON1 genetic variants exposed to organophosphates. |
Government Bans and Restrictions on Chlorpyrifos
Chlorpyrifos has been banned or restricted in several jurisdictions because of concerns about human health, especially neurological and developmental effects. In the United States, most residential uses of chlorpyrifos were phased out around 2000–2001, meaning chlorpyrifos was largely removed from household pest-control products before agricultural uses were addressed.
The EPA later revoked all food tolerances for chlorpyrifos in 2021, which effectively stopped its legal use on food and animal-feed crops. However, on November 2, 2023 that federal action was vacated by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. EPA’s current approach allows limited use on only 11 food and feed crops (and only in certain states): alfalfa, apple, asparagus, tart cherry, citrus, cotton, peach, soybean, strawberry, sugar beet, and spring/winter wheat. According to the EPA, as of July 1, 2025, no one in the U.S. is allowed to legally use chlorpyrifos on any crops other than those 11.
Several U.S. states have prohibited or placed additional restrictions on the use of chlorpyrifos including California, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, New York and Oregon. This means that even where limited federal uses of chlorpyrifos remain, state laws may prevent or narrow chlorpyrifos use within those states.
Chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms
Parkinson’s disease can cause a wide range of movement and non-movement symptoms that may worsen over time.
Common movement related symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:
- Tremors
- Slowed movement (bradykinesia)
- Muscle stiffness
- Shuffling steps,
- Balance problems
- Reduced arm swing
- Small handwriting
- Soft or mumbled speech
- Masked facial expressions (hypomimia)
- Stooped posture
- Freezing while walking
- Frequent falls
- Other movement-related Parkinson symptoms
These movement-related Parkinson’s disease symptoms can make it difficult to walk, work, drive, use tools, climb stairs, or complete everyday tasks.
Common non-movement related symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Sleep problems
- Loss of smell
- Vision loss
- Pain
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sizziness
- Urinary problems
- Drooling
- Swallowing problems
- Cognitive issues
- Hallucinations
- Delusions/paranoia
- Dementia
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Other non-movement related Parkinson’s symptoms
Because Parkinson’s symptoms can vary from person to person, early warning signs may be easy to overlook.
A doctor or neurologist typically diagnoses Parkinson’s disease by reviewing the patient’s medical history, family history, symptoms, and medications, and by performing a physical and neurological examination. The evaluation may include assessing movement, balance, coordination, muscle stiffness, tremors, walking pattern, reflexes, and other signs of Parkinson’s disease. In some cases, doctors may also order imaging tests, such as a dopamine transporter scan, also known as a DaTscan, a specific single-photon emission computerized tomography scan (SPECT scan) or other tests to help rule out different conditions or support the diagnosis.
Chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s Disease Complications
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition, meaning symptoms often become worse over time. In the early stages, a person may notice mild tremors, stiffness, slowed movement, smaller handwriting, changes in walking, or symptoms that affect only one side of the body. As the disease progresses, movement may become slower and more difficult, balance problems may increase, and daily activities such as walking, dressing, working, driving, or using tools may become harder.
In later stages, Parkinson’s disease can lead to more serious complications, including freezing while walking, frequent falls, swallowing problems, speech changes, cognitive decline, hallucinations, dementia, aspiration pneumonia, and loss of independence. While the rate of progression varies from person to person, Parkinson’s disease can significantly affect a person’s health, mobility, safety, and quality of life over time.
Chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s Disease Treatment
There is currently no known cure for Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s treatment is focused on managing symptoms, improving daily function, slowing loss of independence, and helping the person maintain the best quality of life possible.
Because Parkinson’s disease affects both movement and non-movement functions, treatment often requires a combination of medications (such as levodopa to help the brain replace some of the dopamine that is lost in Parkinson’s disease and carbidopa to help levodopa work better and reduce nausea), therapy (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, etc.), lifestyle changes (nutrition, sleep, exercise, etc.), and sometimes surgery (such as deep brain stimulation or DBS where doctors implant a device that sends controlled electrical signals to specific areas of the brain involved in movement).
Compensation For Chlorpyrifos Injury Claims
Plaintiffs who bring chlorpyrifos lawsuits may be able to recover compensation for injuries suffered, including money damages for losses incurred as a result of exposure to chlorpyrifos pesticides, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish/emotional distress
- Loss of wages or earnings due to missed work
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Medical care expenses incurred
- Future cost of medical treatment
- Other out of pocket expenses
- Loss of quality or enjoyment of life
- Disability
- Loss of consortium
- Other possible chlorpyrifos monetary damages
Certain family and loved ones of individuals who died as a result of chlorpyrifos exposure may be able to recover financial compensation from a chlorpyrifos wrongful death lawsuit or settlement claim.
Chlorpyrifos wrongful death lawsuit damages might include, among other things, pecuniary losses suffered by a surviving spouse or next of kin of the deceased family member, such as past and future loss of money or income, benefits, goods, services, and loss of society (i.e., the mutual benefits that each family member receives from the other’s continued existence, including love, affection, care, attention, companionship, comfort, guidance, and protection).
Time Is Limited To File A Chlorpyrifos Lawsuit
Deadlines known as statutes of limitation and statutes of repose may limit the amount of time that individuals have to file a chlorpyrifos lawsuit to try to recover compensation for injuries they claimed to have suffered (Parkinson’s disease, for example) after using or being exposed to chlorpyrifos insecticide products.
This means that if a chlorpyrifos lawsuit case is not filed before the applicable time limit or deadline, the injured party may be barred from ever taking legal action or pursuing litigation regarding their Parkinson’s disease injury claim. That is why it is important to connect with a chlorpyrifos injury lawyer or attorney as soon as possible.
If you or someone you love were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after exposure to chlorpyrifos pesticide, you may be entitled to compensation from a chlorpyrifos lawsuit or settlement. Contact an injury lawyer to request a free case review.
*This page is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Medical decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare provider. If you or a loved one are experiencing health issues, side effects or complications after exposure to chlorpyrifos or other insecticides, we urge you to promptly consult with your doctor or physician for an evaluation.
**This page provides information about chlorpyrifos Parkinson’s disease lawsuits. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for speaking with an attorney. Reading this page or submitting a form does not create an attorney-client relationship, or any obligation to pursue a claim. Chlorpyrifos lawsuit eligibility, deadlines, and potential compensation depend on the specific facts of each case and other factors. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. If you believe you may have a claim, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible because legal deadlines may limit the time to file a lawsuit.
***The listing of a company (e.g., Dow Chemical, Dow AgroSciences, Corteva Agriscience, ADAMA, Gharda Chemicals, Drexel Chemical Company, Loveland Products, FMC and Kaizen) or pesticide product (e.g., chlorpyrifos, Lorsban, Dursban, Durashield, Lock-On, Cobalt, Warhawk, Bolton, NuFos, Pilot, Pyrinex, Vulcan, Scotts ProTurf Insecticide, Drexel Chlorpyrifos Concentrate, Drexel CHLOR-PY-REX Chlorpyrifos Insecticide, Govern, Hatchet, and Yuma, etc.) is not meant to state or imply that the company acted illegally or improperly or that the product is unsafe or defective; rather only that an investigation may be, is or was being conducted to determine whether legal rights have been violated. The use of any trademarks, tradenames or service marks is solely for product identification and/or informational purposes.
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