LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (RFD-TV) — A California man diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease is suing pesticide manufacturers and commercial nurseries, alleging years of exposure to chlorpyrifos contributed to his condition.
The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court by Wisner Baum LLP on behalf of Michael Sargent. The complaint alleges Sargent was exposed to chlorpyrifos between approximately 2003 and 2020 while living near commercial nursery operations in Los Angeles County.
The suit names Corteva, Inc., Corteva Agriscience LLC, The Dow Chemical Company, and three commercial nurseries. It alleges the pesticide manufacturers failed to adequately investigate and disclose the chemical’s potential neurological risks, while the nurseries failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent off-site pesticide exposure.
“Chlorpyrifos manufacturers had decades to study what this chemical does to the human nervous system,” said Sasha Shariati, an attorney representing the plaintiff. “This lawsuit seeks to hold them accountable for what they knew and what they chose not to tell the public.”
Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide that affects the nervous system. The complaint cites scientific and epidemiological research that it says supports a relationship between chlorpyrifos exposure and Parkinson’s disease.
The lawsuit alleges the plaintiff’s residences were located close to nursery operations where the pesticide was applied, including one property approximately 20 feet from a nursery. It claims pesticide drift and inadequate safeguards allowed exposure over multiple years.
The complaint brings claims under California law, including negligent failure to warn, design defects, general negligence, and trespass. It seeks compensatory and punitive damages. The allegations have not been proven in court.
The case comes amid continued scrutiny of chlorpyrifos and its potential health risks. California moved to end nearly all sales and use of the pesticide by 2020, while the European Union has withdrawn its approval.
Wisner Baum says it is evaluating claims from people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease following exposure or possible exposure to chlorpyrifos.
