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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by Tort Defenders’ writers and staff and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney.
Roundup is one of the most popular herbicide products in the US. Its active ingredient is glyphosate, a non-selective herbicide that kills most forms of plants and grasses.
Glyphosate is extremely popular in agriculture and landscaping. One study by the US Geological Survey found traces of the chemical in 66 out of 70 streams. A 2020 US Health and Human Services report found health risks such as cancer, liver failure, and gastrointestinal problems. The study also suggests extensive exposure can be fatal to animals. It can lead to weight loss and liver disease in animals.
A University of Washington study backed up these findings. It found a 41% increase in the risk of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma for people exposed to glyphosate. However, some in the medical field and regulatory agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have different opinions on glyphosate products like Roundup.
Here is a closer look at Roundup, its possible health effects, and legal actions surrounding its use and impacts.
Does Roundup Cause Cancer?
Health agencies have different opinions on Roundup. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), considers glyphosate products carcinogens. The agency classifies these herbicides as Group 2A carcinogens. This means the chemicals are probably carcinogenic to humans.
However, the US EPA considers glyphosate products safe for use. Its research does not suggest a link to cancer, and it classifies the chemical as likely safe for humans.
Courts have also entered the debate on glyphosates. In 2022, a Federal Appeals Court vacated the human health portion of the EPA’s opinion. The EPA withdrew its initial decision. However, Roundup and other glyphosate products remain on the market.
Courts have also decided in favor of plaintiffs in several cases where Roundup was blamed for cancer. In these cases, most plaintiffs had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
What Other Health Issues Are Associated With Roundup?
Regardless of where you stand on the debate of Roundup’s effects, you must know about the following health issues that have been commonly attributed to herbicides:
- One study published in Interdisciplinary Toxicology linked the use of glyphosate in agriculture with increased risks of celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
- A 2022 study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found decreased behavioral changes and sensory and motor dysfunctions in mice and fish, suggesting that the chemicals disrupt the nervous system.
- Research from the Berkeley School of Public Health found increased instances of liver inflammation in young people exposed to glyphosate.
Other studies focus on linking low birth weight with glyphosate exposure during pregnancy, and increased kidney disease in rural farming communities.
Is Roundup More Dangerous Than Glyphosate?
Most of the research and regulations concerning products like Roundup focus on glyphosate. However, there are other ingredients in Roundup that are potentially harmful. These chemicals help the product stick to plants and penetrate the surface.
In Roundup, this so-called “surfactant” is polyethoxylated tallow amine (POEA). Researchers from France found that this substance can cause cell-level damage.
Some herbicides only contain water and glyphosate, but Roundup has POEA, which may increase health risks according to some researchers.
How Much Exposure to Roundup Is Dangerous?
Glyphosate can cause minor health issues, and it may lead to chronic conditions and diseases with extended use.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the chemical can cause acute respiratory system irritation in some people. Users with asthma may experience aggravated symptoms when using the product. The agency also says that workers who use products like Roundup consistently may experience chronic respiratory problems.
Short-term exposure typically does not cause problems beyond these mild acute symptoms. However, long-term exposure may cause more severe health risks. A 2019 court decision awarded $80 million to a cancer patient who used Roundup on his farm for 30 years.
In another 2019 case, an expert testified that the intensity of Roundup use also played a factor in cancer diagnosis. He claimed that using the product more than twice per year could increase the risk of developing lymphoma. In this case, two plaintiffs had also used Roundup for 30 years.
Is Roundup Safe for Dogs and Other Pets?
Glyphosate can impact humans, but it can also affect animals more so, especially pets who often spend more time outdoors in places where the chemical gets used. Pets may be exposed to Roundup when they walk through treated grass. Dogs and cats may ingest the herbicide if they walk through it and then lick their fur or paws. Exposure can lead to nausea and vomiting, and it can irritate pets’ eyes, nose, and skin.
The study on nervous system impacts in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found exposure harmed neurologic functions. However, this research focused on fish and mice rather than larger pets.
How Much Money Has Been Awarded for Roundup Lawsuits?
The legal actions surrounding the herbicide are focused on human health problems like cancer. There have been several high-profile lawsuits involving Roundup, Monsanto, the company that makes it, and Bayer AG, the corporation that now owns Monsanto.
In 2018, a California court awarded a groundskeeper who used Roundup and developed lymphoma $78 million. Another California case ended with $80 million for a cancer patient.
Verdicts in other cases varied by location. Monsanto won several cases in St. Louis, but lost in Philadelphia and California courts, with the former including a $2.25 billion verdict for the plaintiff.
Roundup Lawsuit Updates
Bayer sought protection from lawsuits claiming it failed to warn consumers of potential dangers in the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals. However, the panel of judges denied that request.
Bayer has decided to continue fighting the cases in court. However, they have also offered settlements to resolve some of the cases. This means people affected by the product can file lawsuits and either negotiate with the company or take them to court.
Can You Sue for Roundup Exposure?
You can file a lawsuit against Roundup if you can prove non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or other cancer was caused by extended exposure to Roundup. In most cases, it is best to hire an experienced lawyer to help you collect evidence and get medical opinions to support your claims.
Bayer has shown a willingness to fight some plaintiffs in court, you need to build a strong case to prove that Roundup caused your cancer.
While short-term exposure can cause acute symptoms, Roundup is not dangerous unless you use it repeatedly or intensely over a longer period of time. While medical organizations have different options about the dangers of Roundup, some research suggests a link between certain lymphomas and herbicide use.
Courts have also often sided with people claiming Roundup caused their cancer. These verdicts leave the door open for others to enlist the help of an attorney and seek compensation for illnesses caused by Roundup.