Some studies show that Roundup contains a possible carcinogen (glyphosate) that researchers have determined could alter a person’s DNA, resulting in the possible development of different types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer and Agricultural Pesticides
There has long been a connection between pancreatic cancer and different types of agricultural pesticides. Research from the International Journal of Cancer indicates that the typically fatal disease of pancreatic cancer has a connection to the use of pesticides and herbicides containing DDT. Their research confirms that 13 different types of pesticides showed a statistically significant association with the development of pancreatic cancer over time.
While this study did not directly include glyphosate, other studies have also shown a connection between this possible carcinogen and the development of different types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer.
Roundup and the Development of Pancreatic Cancer
Much research has focused on determining whether there is a link between Roundup and the development of pancreatic cancer and other types of cancer. These studies resulted in the conclusion that glyphosate can cause DNA damage in a person’s body, including a study published in the journal Archives of Toxicology.
However, glyphosate is not the only dangerous chemical contained in Roundup. The weed killer contains other ingredients that may pose significant risks to users, including an increased risk of developing different neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. Other types of cancers potentially linked to Roundup use include:
- Leukemia
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Bone cancer
- Kidney cancer
- B-cell lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Skin tumors
The research trend continues moving toward the conclusion that Roundup causes pancreatic cancer and other types of serious medical conditions.
How Roundup Enters the Body
Many workers in the agricultural community, as well as farmers and gardeners, have relied on the use of Roundup to kill their weeds successfully for decades. As a result, many of these agricultural workers have had significant exposure to Roundup over long periods of time.
Danger to Skin
The Journal of Structural Biology published a scientific report that concluded that when glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup, interacts with the skin of a person, they begin to suffer structural changes to that skin. The cytoskeleton will stiffen, and the internal mechanisms and support of the skin cells change as well.
When a worker has substantial exposure to glyphosate over a long period of time, the skin can undergo such drastic changes that the cells alter their shape. This change often leads to challenges in communication, adhesion, and contact between the skin cells.
Absorption Through Skin
As the skin continues to receive exposure to this chemical, there is a significant drop in the protective function of the skin. This means that changes not only occur to the skin, but with the acting less as a protective mechanism, more of the chemical glyphosate gets consistently absorbed into the human body over time. This absorption is what causes potential increased risks to health. These health risks explain why researchers believe that Roundup causes pancreatic cancer as well as other types of cancers and neurodegenerative diseases.
Scientific Positions Regarding Roundup
There is a strong debate in the scientific community regarding whether the chemical glyphosate found in Roundup poses an actual health risk. While the World Health Organization listed it as a possible carcinogen in 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have published research that concludes there is no link between Roundup and pancreatic or any other types of cancer. As recently as February 2020, the EPA restated its conclusion that Roundup remains safe to human health if used as indicated on the label.
While the division remains in the scientific community, it is important to note that a report in the journal Environmental Sciences Europe showed potential bias in the studies that conclude glyphosate is safe. The journal found that those pro-glyphosate studies were in part funded by Monsanto and other companies that have a vested interest in the outcome of the research regarding their products. The organizations that determined that Roundup and glyphosate are, in fact, dangerous to humans generally used independent research and peer-reviewed studies.
Consider a Roundup Lawyer
If you believe you developed pancreatic cancer or any serious medical conditions because of your exposure to Roundup, consider contacting our legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 for a free case review. We can discuss the particulars of your situation and how a Roundup lawyer may be able to help you with your next legal steps.