No, glyphosate and Roundup are not the same thing. Glyphosate is a chemical compound, while Roundup is a product that contains glyphosate. Some people who are not that familiar with herbicides tend to interchange the two items.
Nonetheless, glyphosate is used worldwide by those in the lawn care and agricultural industries. When used on its own, it will kill plants indiscriminately, according to the National Toxicology Program (NTP). To remedy this problem, manufacturers mixed it with other chemicals so that it would only destroy the plants it targets, such as weeds. Farmers apply glyphosates via aerial or ground spraying, injections, or droplet systems.
In the 1970s, the Missouri-based company Monsanto (acquired by German company Bayer in 2018) developed Roundup–a glyphosate-based herbicide. Monsanto made this brand of weed killers with the agriculture industry in mind, though varieties for home gardens exist as well. Since then, other glyphosate-based herbicides were developed across the globe, though Roundup arguably remains the most famous of them all.
Roundup’s worldwide popularity and status as the first glyphosate-based product is likely the reason why many people refer to glyphosate and Roundup as the same thing.
Does the Government Regulate Roundup and Other Glyphosate Herbicides?
As a whole, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates pesticide use, sales, and distribution in the United States. They also set limits on how much herbicide can be used on food before it is no longer safe to eat. Each state also has an agency that works with the EPA to implement its federal regulations.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also helps make sure that any herbicide residues found in food do not go beyond the EPA’s standards. This task also extends to regulating glyphosate, which was registered in the EPA back in the 70s.
However, there are concerns regarding how the U.S. is regulating glyphosate and related products. Although the EPA officially states that glyphosate is a low-toxic substance and does not pose any severe dangers, some countries and U.S. cities and counties have already begun banning glyphosate-based herbicides.
What Are the Dangers of Glyphosate or Roundup Exposure?
Though glyphosate and Roundup are not the same thing, they can both be dangerous to your health, even if US government bodies say otherwise. The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as possibly carcinogenic, and cancer claims were already filed against Bayer since 2018, according to Reuters.
One should always keep in mind that glyphosate-based herbicides are a blend of other chemicals. Some manufacturers do not disclose what other ingredients they put into their mixtures, which not only makes them more suspicious but dangerous as well.
Aside from boosting your chances of getting cancer, exposure to glyphosate products can also bring other health risks such as:
- Kills friendly gut bacteria, adversely affecting digestion
- Pregnancy complications
- Liver and kidney problems
- Obesity
The most common way to get exposed to glyphosate is by accidentally breathing it in or getting some it on your eyes or skin while spraying. You also put yourself at even more risk when you touch plants recently sprayed with Roundup. Another way is when your food has high chemical residue levels.
Can I Sue if I Get Sick From Glyphosate or Roundup?
If you get cancer or other diseases because of glyphosate exposure at work or because of a neighbor who uses Roundup, you may be able to file a cancer claim and receive compensation from the party at fault. A personal injury lawyer can help you process your lawsuit while still complying with your state’s statute of limitations, which are your time limits for filing claims. They can also assist in compiling and reviewing your evidence so that you may have a strong case against the defendant.
Here are some recoverable damages you could get compensated for:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost past and future wages
- Mental pain and suffering
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for Legal Assistance
More important than learning if glyphosate and Roundup are the same thing is knowing that you can get justice for you or your loved ones. Fortunately, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is here to lend a helping hand. Our lawyers handle cases like yours, including personal injury, medical malpractice, and cancer claims. We want to help you determine your legal options and see what a lawyer can do for your potential case.
If you are interested in our free consultation or have inquiries, feel free to call us at (800) 794-0444.