Roundup (glyphosate) is an herbicide manufactured by agricultural giant Monsanto. It is used by farmers and agricultural workers throughout the United States as an all-purpose weed killer.
Since the Roundup weed killer first entered the market, Monsanto has denied claims that Roundup causes cancer, telling farmers and agricultural workers that Roundup is safe. However, recent studies by researchers and the World Health Organization (WHO) have shown that Roundup can cause cancer and other serious health problems.
Nearly 250 million pounds of Roundup are sprayed on crops, golf courses, commercial nurseries, driveways, lawns, and sidewalks across the country. If you have been exposed to Roundup weed killer and have developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma or another type of cancer, you may be eligible for compensation.
The popular weed killer Roundup contains a probable human carcinogen and is linked to an increased risk of the following:
- Bone cancer
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Soft tissue carcinoma
Roundup Risks
Glyphosate is the active ingredient in the broad-spectrum weed killer Roundup by Monsanto. It is associated with the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Research shows that the combination of glyphosate with inert surfactant POEA makes Roundup even more toxic.
Monsanto Ordered to Pay $289 Million in Roundup Cancer Trial
On Friday, August 10, 2018, the New York Times reported that a California jury found Monsanto (a unit of the German conglomerate Bayer) liable in a lawsuit filed by a school groundskeeper who said the company’s weedkillers caused his cancer. The lawsuit stated that the groundskeeper developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after using Roundup and Ranger Pro, another Monsanto glyphosate herbicide, as part of his job as a pest control manager for a California county school system. Monsanto was ordered to pay $289 million in damages.
This case was the first lawsuit to go to trial alleging that Roundup and other glyphosate-based weedkillers cause cancer. Monsanto currently faces more than 5,000 similar lawsuits across the United States.
Stay Safe While Using It
If you use Roundup, it’s a good idea to take safety precautions when using it. If you decide to use Roundup, whether you are just doing some work around the house or using it as an industrial herbicide, here are some ways to stay safe:
- Store it in a safe place, out of reach of children, when not in use.
- When using it, wear appropriate safety gear, such as long sleeves, pants, gloves, goggles, and a face mask.
- If you get any on your skin or in your eyes, follow instructions on the bottle to rinse with water for 15–20 minutes.
- If you swallow any of it, call a poison control center (1-800-222-1222) or your doctor immediately.
- If you are diagnosed with cancer after having been exposed to glyphosate, talk to one of our lawyers to understand your legal rights.
Contact us
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cancer after having been exposed to glyphosate, contact our team of lawyers at McEldrew Purtell today by filling out our form or calling (215) 545-8800. We are hard-working lawyers for hard-working people.