Roundup did change their formula in Europe, but they have not changed it in the United States.
Roundup’s Formula
Roundup is an herbicide produced by the company Monsanto that farmers and agricultural workers have used for decades to rid their crops of unwanted vegetation and weeds.
Roundup’s formula has not changed in the United States since the 1970s and includes a possible carcinogen known as glyphosate. For decades, scientists have claimed that glyphosate is a cancer-causing agent, and those agricultural workers that remain exposed to this chemical over long periods of time have a greater chance of developing serious medical illnesses, including certain types of cancer.
Why Roundup Did Not Change Their Formula in the United States
While there is evidence from the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) that Roundup’s main ingredient glyphosate is a likely carcinogen, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) strongly disagree with that particular finding.
As recently as February 2020, the EPA officially stated that they believe that the Roundup product as it exists now is safe for use and does not lead to an increased risk of developing any kind of dangerous medical conditions or cancer.
While Bayer (the company that owns Monsanto) has stated that it will spend billions over the next decade to attempt to find glyphosate alternatives for its Roundup formula, without any kind of reason to change the formula (such as a reversal in position and proclamation from the EPA regarding its dangers), Bayer has little reason or motivation to truly change the Roundup formula.
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Disagreements on Science
The Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) published research regarding one 2017 study in the United States that examined more than 54,000 farmers and agricultural workers in Iowa and North Carolina and did not find any association between glyphosate and cancer.
Of course, there are many studies that have drastically different conclusions regarding the safety of glyphosate and the link to cancer and other life-threatening medical conditions for those who use these products. Specifically, in March 2015, the IARC convened a group of non-partisan scientists that made the determination that glyphosate was, in fact, a probable carcinogen and required it to have a listing of Group 2A carcinogen.
The different conclusions are likely frustrating to consumers attempting to make decisions regarding whether or not Roundup is a safe herbicide to use, or not. While scientists are still far from an agreement, it is important to note that the EPA relies on unpublished regulatory studies, many of which remain funded by large industry leaders, such as Bayer and Monsanto, while the IARC looks only at peer-reviewed and independent research.
Dangers of Surfactants
Glyphosate is not the only danger lurking in the Roundup formula. Certain soap-like detergents known as surfactants help the Roundup chemicals penetrate the leaves of plants in order to kill them.
Many scientists believe that these surfactants can damage the DNA of a person’s body and are toxic. As a result, Roundup changed its formula in Europe to ensure that the surfactant chemicals are less toxic for consumers.
However, the Roundup formula has not yet changed in any way in the United States. Monsanto defended their decision to change the formula in Europe but not the United States by stating that they only changed their formula in Europe due to market preferences or country-specific requirements, but that they still believe that the surfactants remain safe for use by all consumers.
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Consider a Roundup Lawyer
Tens of thousands of lawsuits in the United States against Bayer prove that victims do not agree that there are no links to glyphosate, surfactants, and serious and life-threatening medical issues, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
You might be entitled to compensation to cover costs associated with your Roundup-related illness, such as:
- Hospital stays
- Treatment costs
- Prescription drug costs
- Medical devices
- Lost wages
- In-home health aid
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Funeral and burial costs (in wrongful death cases)
If you developed any kind of cancer, neurological condition, or other life-threatening medical condition and had years of exposure to Roundup, learn how a Roundup lawyer can help you understand your legal rights by calling with our team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 217-6099. We would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about your case and help you with your next steps.
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