부산대학교 도서관

Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide commonly used to control weeds and unwanted vegetation in various agricultural, horticultural, and industrial settings. It is a contact herbicide that kills plants upon direct contact. Paraquat is highly toxic to humans. Ingestion of even small amounts can lead to severe poisoning, multi-organ failure, and even death. It has no specific antidote, and treatment focuses on minimising absorption and supporting vital functions. Paraquat can persist in soil for extended periods, affecting non-target plants and potentially leaching into groundwater. Runoff from treated fields can lead to water pollution, negatively impacting aquatic ecosystems. In this review, we comprehensively present the health effects of paraquat via different modes of human exposure (accidental ingestion, occupational exposure, and contaminated water consumption). The review also discusses the mechanism of paraquat toxicity in addition to its fate in the environment and pathophysiology. Finally, paraquat herbicide's toxicity and health effects are well documented, highlighting the importance of proper handling, regulatory oversight, and the exploration of safer alternatives in agriculture and weed control. This review found the escalating evidence regarding the detrimental health impacts of paraquat, revealing a growing association with chronic diseases like Parkinson’s disease and cancer. Despite its ban, the research distinctly outlines the adverse health effects stemming from paraquat exposure. Consequently, this contribution substantially enriches the ongoing discourse on effectively addressing the hazards associated with the paraquat herbicide.