Roundup can damage nerves due to one of its ingredients, glyphosate. Roundup is one of the most frequently used garden products and weed killers in the world. A report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as a probable carcinogen.
While there is debate in the scientific and medical community regarding the specific dangers of Roundup and glyphosate, this has not skewed the abundance of this product. According to the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health (JECH), glyphosate-based herbicides such as Roundup were used 100 times more in 2014 than the 40 years prior. In the United States alone, millions of tons of glyphosate have been used in herbicidal products.
As a consumer, you should always conduct diligence on a product whenever possible. If you are using Roundup in your garden or suffered exposure to Roundup in the past, it could be beneficial to learn more about the possible dangers.
Potentially Harmful Ingredients
Glyphosate is a chemical that was first synthesized in the 1950s before being discovered independently in the United States by a chemist working for the company, Monsanto. Monsanto would later harvest the herbicidal benefits of glyphosate by creating the commercially successful product, Roundup. Roundup remains popular today and is still currently on the market. Glyphosate works to inhibit a growth enzyme in weeds preventing them from growing and spreading, while preserving other vegetation.
The Effects of Glyphosate on the Nervous System
There is evidence to suggest that Roundup could cause nerve damage. One report published by Internal Medicine determined that exposure to glyphosate could cause vasculitis in the nervous system and other organs. Vasculitis affects the blood vessels of the body and can cause a reduction in blood flow, impairing the nervous system and other affected regions. It is important to note that the intensity and duration of exposure to glyphosate through Roundup or other products could play a significant role in the amount of nerve damage. It is also important to understand that there is still debate in the scientific community about the exact effects of glyphosate in the human body.
Scientific Debate
While organizations like the World Health Institute and National Institute of Health have published findings that point to the potential harm of glyphosate-based herbicides such as Roundup, there is still debate among professional researchers. One federal agency, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), released a statement in 2020 saying they continue to find glyphosate poses no risk to human health.
It is important to note that for such a widely used product, there are relatively few conclusive studies available. This means that it is currently up to the consumers of products such as Roundup to determine if it is safe to use. There is some potential risk and dangers of glyphosate, so taking precautionary measures to avoid exposure could be beneficial to your health and the health of your loved ones.
Preventing Harm
If you work in a commercial farming setting, are a recreational gardener, or could be exposed to Roundup for any other reason, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of glyphosate exposure.
One way to minimize the potential risk of exposure to glyphosate is to wear personal protective equipment. Chemicals can enter your body when they come into contact with your skin. You can also inhale chemicals when they are sprayed or become airborne. Protective equipment such as masks and gloves can shield you from ingesting unwanted substances.
It is also important to wash your hands frequently when you are working with potentially harmful chemicals like glyphosate. If you are not a gardener but rather a consumer of produce, be sure to wash all of your vegetables thoroughly in case they were treated with Roundup or other harmful herbicides.
As with all products, only use weed killers as instructed. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the appropriate protocol for applying weed killer in your garden.
It may also be beneficial for you to stay up to date on any pending studies regarding Roundup and glyphosate. While there is still debate about the harmful effects of glyphosate, it is very possible that Roundup could lead to nerve damage. If you or someone in your life suffered exposure to Roundup and are exhibiting symptoms of nerve damage, you should seek immediate help. There may also be legal options available in these cases.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Today for Legal Support
If you think you possibly suffered due to glyphosate exposure while using Roundup, it is important to learn more about your legal options. There is scientific evidence that suggests exposure to Roundup could lead to nerve damage. To learn more, contact a team member at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm by calling (800) 794-0444 today.