New Straits Times

IF you consume, accidently or otherwise, just a teaspoon of paraquat, you will be dead for there is no known antidote for this toxic herbicide.
Paraquat causes direct damage when it comes into contact with the lining of the mouth, stomach or intestines, says the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Toxic chemical reactions occur throughout many parts of the body, primarily the lungs, liver and kidneys, and the person who has swallowed it dies from multi-organ failure.

In Malaysia, as in most other countries, you need to be a commercially-licensed user to buy it. And yet, it is easily available, with even hardware shops selling it.

Paraquat poisoning is also possible after prolonged skin exposure, like those who spray it in plantations have suffered.
Poisoning is more likely to occur if the skin exposure lasts for a long time, involves a concentrated version of paraquat, or occurs through skin that is not intact (skin that has sores, cuts or a severe rash).

Sarojeni V. Rengam of Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific said the herbicide had been banned in many countries and restricted in others, including Indonesia and America.

“Paraquat should have been phased out by 2006 but it is still in use today,” said Sarojeni.

“The plantations are not looking after their workers, especially the paraquat sprayers.”