There is substantial scientific evidence that chronic exposure to Paraquat dichloride (Paraquat) causes increased risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). Absorbing or inhaling Paraquat - which is a toxic chemical - triggers oxidative stress in the body. This redox cycling, in turn, causes such cell membrane damage as: lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial injury, and DNA breakage. Ultimately, this may result in the loss of dopamine neurons in the brain, specifically the SNpc (substantia nigra pars compacta). And this cell death can lead to the development of Parkinson's disease.