Roundup’s active ingredient, glyphosate, has been found as toxic and can cause severe injuries such as cancer. As thousands of lawsuits against Roundup’s manufacturer, Monsanto Company, continue to flood in, many who have been exposed to Roundup wonder what is glyphosate and what are the dangers of exposure to glyphosate? If you have been exposed to glyphosate in Roundup, the following information may help you understand whether you need to pursue legal action for your glyphosat-caused injuries.
What is Glyphosate?
Glyphosate is a small compound found in many of the most commonly used herbicides. It is designed to block enzymes vital for plant growth, so glyphosate has quickly become a popular ingredient in weed killers. According to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), glyphosate was first registered for use in 1974 in the U.S.
Glyphosate-based herbicides, like Roundup, have been used across a variety of industries. Industries that use glyphosate herbicides include agriculture, forestry, lawns, gardens, and for controlling weeds in industrial and aquatic areas. Additionally, the NPIC states over 750 glyphosate-based products are on the U.S. market including Roundup, Ranger, and Killzall herbicides.
However, weeds have been found to adapt to glyphosate exposure over time. This requires farmers, gardeners, agricultural workers, landscapers, and homeowners to spray more herbicide and more heavily to get a successful result. This can result in increased exposure to glyphosate over time.
Is Gyphosate Toxic?
Increasing studies are finding that glyphosate in Roundup is toxic and can cause severe injuries, some leading to death. In 2015 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared in a glyphosate evaluation that the herbicide is “probably carcinogenic,” meaning it has the potential to cause cancer.
According to lawsuits brought forward by those exposed to glyphosate in Roundup, the toxic compound has caused the following kinds of cancer:
- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- Follicular Lymphoma
- Skin Lymphoma
- Burkitt Lymphoma
- Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma
- Mantel Cell Lymphoma
- Hairy Cell Leukemia
- Large B-Cell Lymphoma
- Multiple Myeloma
As leaders in health and science, WHO's findings sent shockwaves across the world, causing many countries to completely ban herbicides containing glyphosate from active use. In 2017, California added glyphosate to its list of chemicals that cause cancer and required for Roundup and other glyphosate-based products to have label warnings in California.
Were You Exposed to Glyphosate in Roundup?
If you were exposed to glyphosate in Roundup and developed cancer, we're here to help. Our personal injury team at the McGartland Law Firm is here to make sure you reach maximum compensation for your glyphosate injuries so you can get back to the place you were before you were injured. Call us today for your free case consultation at 866.932.9300.
