Ever since the discovery of glyphosate as a potent weed killer, it has made its way into countless farms and homes all over the world, including those in the U.S., according to the National Toxicology Program (NTP). Unfortunately, the increased exposure to the chemical meant more people getting sick and developing serious health conditions, according to the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Given this information, you might now be asking, how do you protect yourself from glyphosate?
If you wish to learn more about glyphosate, or if you suspect you are suffering from the effects of glyphosate exposure, you can speak to a lawyer about your potential case.
What Happens When Glyphosate Makes Its Way Into Your Body?
Glyphosate is technically considered an antibiotic, and it can impact your gastrointestinal tract as soon as you eat food contaminated with this chemical. In other words, it is capable of killing both good and bad microbes in your gut. This can be bad for your health overall because good microbes are responsible for regulating body cells and system functions. Moreover, the body’s immunity is mostly dependent on the condition of the gut biome, so a depletion in the number of good bacteria can mean increased susceptibility to diseases or illnesses.
Since glyphosate is also water-soluble, it can break down the gut barrier and eventually reach the blood-brain barrier. Once this happens, cells in the barrier can become damaged and be powerless to stop toxins from entering the brain. Some researchers further believe that glyphosate has the potential to cause immunological, reproductive, neurological, and developmental issues in people because it is a hormone disruptor.
What Diseases May Follow Glyphosate Exposure?
Some health conditions associated with long-term exposure to glyphosate include decreased gut motility, congenital disabilities, liver damage, kidney disease, diabetes, depression, obesity, sleep disorders, and Parkinson’s disease, according to Scientific Reports. All these are a consequence of glyphosate’s ability to stop plants and bacteria from making important amino acids that the body needs. If you do not have enough supply of these amino acids, you will likely have low levels of essential chemicals and hormones, such as serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine. In turn, you will have an increased risk of experiencing various health issues. Roundup is still legal to use, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
What is more alarming, however, is the recent study that reveals how glyphosate is a probable human carcinogen. In particular, scientists discovered that exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides like Roundup could cause people to acquire non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. One theory is that white blood cells undergo genetic mutations, thereby compromising a person’s immune system and ability to fight diseases.
Why Does Using Roundup Expose You to Glyphosate?
Roundup is the pioneer in glyphosate-based weed killer. Thus, you can become exposed to glyphosate if you use Roundup and you unintentionally breathe it in, let it come in contact with your skin, or eat food treated with this chemical. Understand that a large percentage of crops today are already genetically modified to survive Roundup, further increasing the chances of your ingesting glyphosate, especially when consuming major food brands.
Who Is at Risk for Glyphosate Exposure?
Everyone can be exposed to glyphosate in one way or another. Nevertheless, some people are at a higher risk of contracting certain illnesses due to continuous contact with the chemical. They include those whose line of work requires them to use Roundup, like farmers, landscapers, agricultural workers, professional gardeners, and groundskeepers. Take note that even homeowners are in danger of developing glyphosate-related diseases if they regularly use Roundup for their lawn or garden care.
How Do You Protect Yourself From Glyphosate When it Comes to Food?
The good thing about being aware of the dangers of glyphosate is that you can take steps to minimize contact with this chemical. You can opt for organic food as it is currently forbidden to apply Roundup on organic crops. Try to grow your food without using glyphosate or buy from local farmers and ask whether they use Roundup or other chemicals. Also, consider installing water filters at home to eliminate glyphosate in your water supply.
Consider Seeking Legal Counsel If You Have Been Exposed to Glyphosate
If you feel your health was compromised by glyphosate, speak to a Roundup attorney from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. We are ready to answer your questions about glyphosate, and we will give you legal advice if you are looking to file a lawsuit. You have the right to be informed about the health consequences of using Roundup, as well as be entitled to fair compensation if you have been wronged.
Call our office today at (800) 794-0444 to inquire about your free case evaluation.