General population Residue levels of paraquat in food and drinking-water, resulting from its normal use, are unlikely to result in a health hazard for the general population. This likely lack of hazard in normal usage of dilute paraquat is in strong contrast with the potential serious hazard that may result from handling concentrated paraquat. Accidental paraquat poisoning results mainly from swallowing liquid concentrate that has been decanted into unlabelled bottles or other containers and stored inappropriately.