Legally Reviewed
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.
Glyphosate is a popular herbicide that is found in a variety of weedkillers. While it is an effective chemical, there is a lot of debate within the scientific community as to whether or not it is safe for humans to use. Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that glyphosate is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans. However, several studies have found this to be incorrect. Learn more about this chemical and the debate surrounding it.
What Is Glyphosate?
Glyphosate was first approved as an herbicide in 1974. Since then, more than 750 products have hit the market that use this chemical to control the growth of plants. Glyphosate is used in residential gardens and lawns along with commercial farms and forest management programs. In some cases, glyphosate can be used to manage aquatic plants.
Glyphosate is known as a “nonselective herbicide,” which means it will kill almost any plant. This can be challenging for gardeners who want to eliminate certain weeds while protecting other flowers, shrubs, and trees.
While this is a useful and popular herbicide, many people still have questions about whether it is safe for the environment and for humans to handle.
What Are the Symptoms of Glyphosate Exposure?
Humans can be exposed to glyphosate in multiple ways. You could be exposed to it by breathing particles in the air or could accidentally ingest it. For example, if you stop to eat lunch while gardening and don’t wash your hands, the glyphosate could get on your food and enter your digestive system. While your immune system will do its best to reduce the impact of the glyphosate, you might experience a few of these symptoms:
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Diarrhea;
- Dizziness;
- Breathing difficulty;
- Headache;
- Irritation of the eyes;
- Burning sensation in the mouth or throat.
Your symptoms will vary depending on your exposure. Eye irritation is common if you aren’t wearing protective glasses while handling glyphosate while nausea and vomiting can occur if you ingest it.
You can avoid these symptoms by handling glyphosate with care. Immediately change your clothes after handling this chemical and thoroughly wash your hands. You can also wear protective gear like gloves, glasses, and a mask to prevent accidental ingestion.
Is Glyphosate Found in Food?
Glyphosate is commonly used by farmers to kill weeds that could steal resources from their crops. However, this means that glyphosate can be found in your food. Research shows that there is herbicide in food residue, especially in produce that is processed before reaching the consumer. For example, honey, olive oil, and cereal-based products all have traces of glyphosate. Researchers have commonly found glyphosate in fruits, nuts, and vegetables.
This herbicide can also be found in meat and fish. Animals will eat plants that have glyphosate on them and then will absorb the chemicals into their bodies. Humans then in turn eat the meat that has glyphosate in it.
Who Is at Risk of Exposure to Glyphosate Herbicides?
Glyphosate might be ingested by consumers in trace amounts through food, but other professions are at a much higher risk of serious exposure. Here are a few groups of people who are more likely to come in contact with serious levels of glyphosate:
- Landscapers: Landscaping technicians handle glyphosate daily as they sculpt the yards of their clients.
- Gardeners: Residential gardeners might use glyphosate occasionally, but professional gardeners will use it across large campuses.
- Farmers and agricultural workers: These professionals rely on herbicides to manage their crops and prevent weeds from taking over. They might encounter glyphosate in dangerous amounts.
These groups will handle glyphosate daily, if not several times each day. The exposure can add up and potentially harm the people who use it.
How Dangerous Is Glyphosate?
While the EPA states that glyphosate is a safe chemical that is unlikely to cause cancer, other authoritative organizations disagree. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO), has labeled glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans”. It believes there is strong evidence between this chemical and cancer development through the evaluation of 1,000 different studies.
One of the most popular products that use glyphosate is Roundup, which currently has several lawsuits against it because users developed cancer from exposure or ingestion. This has further complicated the debate over whether the glyphosate found in Roundup is safe or causes cancer. However, with each case where the plaintiff can prove causation between Roundup and a cancer diagnosis, the answer becomes clearer. Glyphosate is not a safe chemical to be around.
Who Can Sue for Glyphosate Exposure?
If you developed cancer and suspect it was caused by glyphosate exposure, you might be able to bring a claim against Roundup for causing harm. However, there are certain eligibility requirements that each plaintiff needs to meet:
- You must have a cancer diagnosis.
- You must be able to prove exposure to glyphosate through Roundup use. This can be done by providing receipts or employer documents that show glyphosate was the main herbicide used.
- You must be able to prove that there is a connection between the two.
This last step is the hardest. There are many reasons why people develop cancer and it’s challenging to link the use of one product to the development of various cancers. However, an experienced legal team can help. Take the first steps to file your claim and see if we can help you prove that glyphosate exposure led to negative health outcomes.
Finding a Glyphosate Lawyer
There are several lawsuits against Roundup and other glyphosate producers that set precedents for your case. However, bringing a lawsuit to court and receiving compensation from the companies that make glyphosate isn’t easy.
One of the best ways to increase your chances of success is to hire a glyphosate lawyer. Work with a team of experienced professionals who are familiar with the harm that glyphosate causes and who know how to navigate the legal system in your favor. Let them take control of your case and get you the compensation you deserve.
Glyphosate Lawsuit Updates
As more people learn about the dangers of glyphosate, they are suing manufacturers of the herbicide for exposing them to harmful chemicals. In January 2024, a Pennsylvania jury awarded $2.25 billion to a plaintiff who proved Bayer, the maker of Roundup, made products that caused him to develop cancer. There are also currently 4,253 Roundup lawsuits pending in California as other plaintiffs seek justice.
Bayer tried to resolve 100,000 cases at once with a $10.9 billion settlement, but the company is still accepting claims by victims who were harmed by its products.
If you are exposed to glyphosate regularly or processing a claim against Roundup, stay up to date with the latest Roundup lawsuit developments and what they mean for your potential claim.
As more people realize how harmful glyphosate is, they will seek compensation from companies that exposed them to this chemical. Know your rights and stay safe from this dangerous herbicide.