Roundup is a weed killer (herbicide) that contains glyphosate, a chemical that is listed by the International Research Agency on Cancer (IRAC) as a “probable human carcinogen.” Roundup is applied as either a spray liquid or a granule.
Breathing Roundup can make you sick because the fumes or dust irritate your nose and throat. Roundup is toxic to humans, and you could become sick or die if you ingest it. Some studies suggest that regular, long-term use of Roundup can increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
How You Could Be Exposed to Roundup
Many people are exposed to Roundup when they breathe droplets while spraying the herbicide on their lawn or garden.
You can also be exposed in other ways, including:
- Breathing the air near a sprayed area (even if you were not the person spraying it).
- Touching sprayed plants while they are wet.
- Drinking from a water supply near a sprayed area.
- Eating food grown in Roundup treated soil.
Whether you live in an urban area, suburb, or rural area, you are at risk of getting sick from Roundup.
How Roundup Can Make You Sick
Roundup is a non-selective herbicide, meaning it will kill most plants along with weeds.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine warns that glyphosate can be fatal when swallowed. Some people ingest Roundup if they do not wash their hands after using the herbicide.
The symptoms of glyphosate poisoning include:
- Mouth and throat irritation
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea or vomiting
- Vomiting blood
- Feeling dizzy
- Diarrhea and abdominal cramping
- Slow heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Headache
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 65,000 Americans die each year from accidental poisoning.
Roundup Linked to Higher Cancer Risk
A study conducted by the University of Washington and published in the journal Mutation Research found that agricultural workers who were regularly exposed to glyphosate had a 41% greater chance of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma than people who used Roundup occasionally or not at all.
People Most at Risk for Becoming Sick from Roundup
There is not enough evidence to determine if infrequent use of Roundup can make you sick from breathing it. However, several victims who used Roundup regularly and were diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma have recovered significant compensatory damages from lawsuits filed against Monsanto, the makers of Roundup.
People who are at greater risk for developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma from glyphosate include:
- Agricultural workers
- Farmers
- Landscapers
- Groundskeepers
- Commercial lawn maintenance workers
Roundup exposure may also increase your risk of developing other forms of cancer, including multiple myeloma and leukemia.
What to Do if You Get Sick from Roundup
Like all types of cancer, you have more treatment options when non-Hodgkin lymphoma is detected as soon as possible.
The Mayo Clinic advises that you see your healthcare provider if you have one or more of these symptoms:
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin that may be painless
- Pain or swelling in your abdomen
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Unintentional and unexplained weight loss
Tell your doctor if you use Roundup frequently.
Treatment for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
There are many different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Some forms are more aggressive. Other types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma require “watchful waiting” with no prescribed treatment for the present time.
There are several treatments for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including:
- Chemotherapy, including targeted chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Biological therapy
- Bone marrow transplants
- Clinical research trials
- Alternative therapies including herbal supplements, acupuncture, and other treatment
When to Consult with a Lawyer
Breathing Roundup can make you sick, especially if you are exposed to this herbicide over a long period. You may be entitled to compensation for damages caused by your cancer diagnosis.
You could be eligible for a Roundup claim if:
- You or a family member was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or leukemia.
- You or your family member extensively uses Roundup or is regularly exposed to areas sprayed with Roundup.
- You act within your state’s statute of limitations.
You deserve to know your legal options if you or a loved one meet the criteria for a Roundup claim.
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Today
If you would like to learn more about potential compensation from a Roundup lawsuit, please call (800) 794-0444 for a free consultation with a member of our firm.