Roundup can stay in the soil for days, weeks, or even months, depending largely upon the composition of the soil. This means that Roundup can stay in the soil long term, in some cases.
Roundup is one of the most popular and widely used weed killers in the world. Commercial farmers and gardeners, along with recreational and residential users, utilize Roundup to keep their gardens free of unwanted weeds. In fact, According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the use of glyphosate has increased 100-fold from its discovery as a weed killer in the early 1970s to present-day use.
While Roundup remains commonly used and distributed today, there is some evidence to suggest that certain ingredients in Roundup may be harmful to humans.
Glyphosate
While there are many ingredients that go into the product Roundup, the main active ingredient is a chemical known as glyphosate. An American chemist in the 1970s told the company they worked for, Monsanto of glyphosate. It was during this time that Monsanto realized the potential of glyphosate as a weed killer, and they produced Roundup, which has been commercially available ever since.
The Potential Dangers of Glyphosate
Some studies suggest that Roundup, and specifically glyphosate, can potentially cause harm to human beings. One suspected risk of using Roundup is the increased likelihood of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The duration of exposure to Roundup, as well as the intensity of exposure, could contribute to the chances that your health will be affected. Roundup can stay in the soil long term in some cases, so even if you are careful not to expose yourself when applying Roundup, you may still be exposed at a later time.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 217-6099
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
According to a study published in Reviews in Mutation Research, glyphosate exposure can increase your risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma by more than 40%.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma accounts for approximately 4% of cancer cases in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The NCI estimates that over 75,000 cases will be diagnosed in 2020 alone. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma affects the immune system of your body, beginning in the lymphatic system and sometimes spreading to other regions. The prognosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma depends on many factors, including the age and general health of a person at the time of diagnosis, the stage of cancer, and the presence of pre-existing conditions. Some of the signs of non-Hodgkin lymphoma include:
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Loss of appetite or sudden weight loss
- Chest pain
- Fever or night sweats
- General feeling of fatigue or loss of energy
If you or someone you love is exhibiting any signs of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, it is critical to seek immediate medical help. Only a medical professional can accurately diagnose this disease and develop a treatment plan.
If someone in your life was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma after using or being exposed to glyphosate through Roundup, it is possible that their exposure could be correlated to the illness. Remember that because Roundup can stay in the soil for an extended period of time, even those who have not directly used Roundup could still be in danger of glyphosate exposure.
Scientific Debate Regarding the Safety of Roundup
There are ongoing debates regarding the safety of Roundup and the active chemical glyphosate. While the World Health Organization (WHO) maintains that glyphosate is a likely carcinogen in humans, national agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continue to declare the Roundup poses no risks to users. While research continues, it may be in your best interest to take precautions while using Roundup.
Click to contact our lawyers today
What to Do if You Were Exposed
If you or someone you love was exposed to Roundup, it is possible that your health could be affected. You may have even already experienced the effects of exposure to Roundup. The intensity of exposure, along with the duration, could affect the impact glyphosate has had on your health.
Even if you use Roundup infrequently, you could still be exposed. If you feel as though another party failed to inform you of the dangers of Roundup, or unnecessarily exposed you, you could have grounds for a legal claim. In some cases, victims are eligible for various forms of compensation.
If you would like to learn more about your legal options, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can answer your questions. A team member is available to discuss your case during a free consultation. Call (800) 217-6099 today.
Call or text (800) 217-6099 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
