Bayer-owned Monsanto has been facing over a billion dollars in verdicts in lawsuits alleging that their weed killer, Roundup, has caused cancer in users. The allegations are that Roundup contains a carcinogen that can lead to the development of non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
Glyphosate
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is the world’s most widely used broad-spectrum herbicide. Studies show that exposure to glyphosate leads to a 40% increased risk of developing cancer. A study out of the University of Washington did a meta-analysis and merged the results of six previous studies involving 65,000 individuals who had used the weed killer Roundup. Researchers found a compelling link between the use of herbicides containing glyphosate and the development of non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
The study focused mostly on those individuals with long-term exposure to the weed killer. However, there has been evidence that ordinary users may also be at risk. Individuals most at risk for developing cancer are farmworkers and other individuals with significant exposure such as garden center employees and landscapers.
The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified glyphosate as a probable carcinogen. The Environmental Protection Agency and Bayer disagree. However, there is sufficient research to show that there is a link between glyphosate and cancer. In fact, Bayer announced that it would be dedicating $5.6 million to the development of a glyphosate alternative.
Failure to Warn
Thousands of lawsuits have been filed by cancer victims alleging that Bayer and Monsanto failed to warn consumers of the dangers associated with the use of Roundup. Without such a warning, consumers were unable to make an educated decision about whether to use the product. There is evidence that Monsanto knew for years that there was a link between Roundup and cancer, and yet they continued to market the product as safe. In these lawsuits, plaintiffs hope to recover for their past and future medical bills, pain and suffering, and other economic losses.
Contact a Roundup Lawsuit Attorney
If you or someone you love has Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and has been exposed to Roundup, you should have an experienced product liability attorney evaluate your case. Gregg Goldfarb has been helping victims of dangerous products for over 20 years. Contact him online or call 305-374-7000 to schedule a free consultation.