What many people think of as a harmless weed-killer has been found to cause cancer in several people. Roundup’s main ingredient is glyphosate, and it’s also responsible for the development of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, B-cell lymphoma, and even leukemia. In spite of the growing mountain of evidence, however, the EPA has still not ordered a Roundup recall.
Other Side Effects
In addition to the different types of cancer, glyphosate can also cause the following health problems:
- Autism
- Lou Gherig’s Disease (ALS)
- Colitis
- Diabetes
- IBS
- Kidney disease
- Liver damage
- MS
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Respiratory disease
- Sterility in men
Who Is at Risk?
The people who are most at risk of developing cancer from prolonged exposure to glyphosate include those who work on farms as well as anyone who has consistent exposure to the herbicide. This can include employees of nurseries, landscaping companies, and even garden centers. These workers are exposed to glyphosate daily. It’s often breathed in while working and can contaminate nearby food and water.
Monsanto’s Cover Up
Monsanto is a for-profit company that’s been around since the 1970s. While the official stance of the EPA is that the herbicide does not cause cancer and that a Roundup recall isn’t necessary, there’s a ton of evidence to the contrary. According to these litigation documents, Monsanto not only implemented false data but the company also worked to attack studies proving the dangers of Roundup.
Monsanto created a campaign around Roundup – which it knew was toxic – to convince the general public that it was “as safe as table salt.” According to the documents, there’s even evidence to support the fact that Monsanto conspired with the EPA to disprove the claims that their products caused cancer.
Lawsuits Against Monsanto
More than 2,000 lawsuits were pending against Monsanto as of October 2019, with a total of 18,000 plaintiffs involved. These claims come from people who have suffered from cancer as a result of exposure to Roundup. While there haven’t been any mass tort settlements yet, the first bellwether trial was settled in 2018. That specific trial involved someone who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Monsanto was ordered to pay $289 million in damages. In total, Monsanto has had to pay over $2 billion in damages following the verdicts of three cases.
If you work with Roundup daily, you may be at risk for developing a number of the abovementioned disorders and diseases. If you find that you have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or other cancer, you may be able to seek damages against Monsanto.