Roundup is a product used to kill weeds, but Roundup may not be safe to use in your garden. Some studies suggest that glyphosate, an ingredient in Roundup, could be harmful in humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found in 2015 that glyphosate was a probable carcinogen and could be linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. There are ongoing studies regarding the effects of glyphosate and debate in the research community. It is always important to conduct as much research as possible before using any product in your garden, to prevent exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
The Potential Dangers of Glyphosate
While there are many ingredients in Roundup, one in particular is potentially dangerous. The chemical glyphosate, which is the primary active ingredient in Roundup, could be harmful to your health.
Glyphosate was first synthesized in the 1950s and was discovered in the United States in the early 1970s by a chemist working with the company Monsanto, which produces Roundup. Glyphosate use has increased by over 100 times since it was proven to be an effective weed killer over 40 years ago. Glyphosate targets amino acids in unwanted weeds, inhibiting growth and reproduction.
Glyphosate is one of the most commonly used herbicides on the planet. Americans have used nearly 2 million tons of glyphosate since it began being synthesized for commercial purposes in the 1970s.
There are conflicting reports regarding the effects of glyphosate on the human body. While the aforementioned IARC report suggested glyphosate is a probable carcinogen in humans, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated in recent years that glyphosate is unlikely to cause cancer in human beings.
With conflicting information and ongoing research, it is possible that glyphosate and Roundup could be detrimental to your health, but this product is still on the market based on determinations that Roundup is safe to use in your garden. As a consumer, it is important to continue to follow research and reports regarding Roundup and glyphosate should new information become available.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
One specific type of cancer that glyphosate has been linked to is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This is a disease that affects the lymphatic system of the body, which is an integral part of the immune system. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimates that non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma accounts for 4 percent of all cancers in the United States.
If you have been exposed to Roundup or have used this product in the past and have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, these events could be related. Nothing is more important than your health. You should seek immediate medical attention if you or a loved one is exhibiting any of the following symptoms as there could be something wrong:
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Fever
- Sleeping difficulties or night sweats
- Sudden weight loss
- Fatigue
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
While there is no conclusive evidence of the link between Roundup and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, there is a possible correlation. If you are a farmer, recreational gardener, or are exposed on a regular basis to Roundup for other reasons, you may want to consider taking preventative measures to minimize your exposure to glyphosate as a precautionary measure.
Preventative Measures
While using Roundup or any other weed killer or product in your garden, it is important to understand and manage the potential risk of chemical absorption. One thing you can do is wear gloves and other protective equipment that will shield your skin, nose, and mouth from inhalation, absorption, or other means of bodily entry.
You should also always read product instructions in detail in order to ensure you are using Roundup in a safe and intended manner. The intensity and duration of exposure to a particular chemical can play a role in adverse side effects as well.
Understanding what to do if you are feeling unwell is also very important. If you or your loved one is exhibiting symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or was recently diagnosed with this disease after using Roundup, you should seek medical assistance. Some individuals may also choose to pursue legal action during this difficult time. If another party was responsible for failing to disclose the dangers of a product like Roundup, or if you were unknowingly exposed to this possible dangerous product, this could be grounds for legal action.
Is Roundup Safe to Use in My Garden? Contact Us Today
If you think you may have been exposed to a possibly harmful ingredient of Roundup and are wondering what to do next, you could have legal options available to you. While Roundup is currently considered safe to use in your garden by the EPA, it may lead to cancer and have other harmful effects. The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is available to discuss your unique case. Call (800) 794-0444 to schedule a free consultation today.