Manufacturers of herbicides in the United States commonly use glyphosate. Some studies have linked the product to cancer as a possible carcinogen. There are more than 750 products that contain glyphosate sold in the U.S., and manufacturers have widely used it as an ingredient in weed killers since the 1970s.
Roundup does contain glyphosate. However, there are many other products that contain glyphosate as well. Monsanto produced Roundup since it launched into the U.S. market in 1974. Bayer acquired the Roundup brand in 2018. Much of the press against glyphosate-based herbicides in the U.S. focuses on Roundup and Monsanto specifically. Bayer continues to fight off allegations that the product causes cancer.
Monsanto’s patent on glyphosate expired in 2000. Since then, other products continue to use it as an active ingredient in product formulas. If you or a loved one received a diagnosis of cancer after glyphosate exposure, you can take legal action against the manufacturer, whether it was Roundup or another product. You could receive compensation related to your injuries.
Uses for Glyphosate
Even if you do not use Roundup on your own lawn, there are other places that may use glyphosate. You could come in contact with the carcinogen from the following places:
- Food crops
- Neighboring lawns
- Golf courses
- Greenhouses
- Forests
- Medians and grassy roadside areas
This list is not exhaustive of where people have used glyphosate-based herbicides. It is possible to receive exposure to glyphosate in other places.
Glyphosate Risks
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has decided that there are no human health concerns if one uses glyphosate according to its label’s instructions. However, the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR) notes that while the EPA says it is not likely to be carcinogenic, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recognizes that glyphosate is probably carcinogenic.
With this information, many countries recognize the link between glyphosate and cancer. At least, most countries agree that using glyphosate can significantly increase your personal cancer risk, compared with those not exposed to it. There is existing legal action against Bayer from cancer patients who believe there is a connection between their cancer and Roundup exposure.
Different Roundup Formulas
Roundup refers to a brand. Not all Roundup products have the same formula, as each product has a different application. Each has a different concentration of glyphosate. Applying non-selective formulas kills everything, including your lawn. Selective herbicides kill only certain types of weeds. Residual herbicides can stay in the soil for up to one year after you apply it. It is possible that residual herbicides containing glyphosate are more dangerous to your health, as the exposure window is potentially much higher than in other formulas.
Understanding Your Rights
You have the right to be aware of a product containing carcinogens that may put you and your family at risk. Even with the negative press surrounding Roundup and glyphosate, the company and the EPA say that the product is safe.
If a company misrepresents itself as selling safe products or sells you an unsafe product, you can hold it accountable. You can individually sue the company or join a class-action lawsuit that aims to get money for the medical costs and pain and suffering caused by your illness.
Glyphosate Exposure
Herbicides like Roundup contain glyphosate. The higher your exposure level and the more frequently you were exposed, the more likely you are to develop related cancers. While possible, it is unlikely that you will develop cancer from a single instance of using Roundup with glyphosate as an active ingredient. However, farmers, gardeners, and landscapers might be at a higher risk level because of how much exposure they have.
Additionally, glyphosate exposure can occur from numerous sources. Used for decades, it is in many fruits, vegetables, grains, and water sources. Experts at the Environmental Working Group found there were high levels of glyphosate contamination in Cheerios—higher than what the recommended exposure limits are for children.
California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) added glyphosate to the list of cancer-causing substances under Proposition 65. There has been an ongoing legal battle between the state and the company on labeling requirements. The EPA pushed back against the state’s attempt to try to disclose the cancer risk to consumers.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to Schedule a Consultation
If you or a loved one developed cancer and suspect a connection to glyphosate exposure, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 for a free consultation to discuss your potential legal case. You could receive compensation related to your diagnosis.