paraquat

chemical compound

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Last updated

July 15, 2026

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Paraquat is a highly toxic contact herbicide. It is a chemical compound containing a salt of a cation with the formula [C₁₂H₁₄N₂]²⁺. Paraquat is classified as a bipyridylium compound and is used as a pesticide. It is deadly if ingested, and skin contact or inhalation of a concentrate can cause fatal lung damage. There is no specific antidote for paraquat poisoning; treatment focuses on minimizing the body's absorption of the poison.12

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occupational disease
Organic compounds
Paraquat and diquat, the bipyridylium compounds, are deadly if ingested. Skin contact or inhalation of a concentrate of paraquat can cause fatal lung damage. Because no specific antidote is known, treatment consists of minimizing the body’s absorption of the poison. Many organochlorine compounds, such as…
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Paraquat and diquat, the bipyridylium compounds, are deadly if ingested. Skin contact or inhalation of a concentrate of paraquat can cause fatal lung damage. Because no specific antidote is known, treatment consists of minimizing the body’s absorption of the poison. Many organochlorine compounds, such as…
Read More