For decades, people have been using glyphosate to control the growth of weeds and other grasses on their farms or lawns, according to the National Toxicology Program (NTP). There has been an increasing concern among various communities over this herbicide causing certain health conditions, including cancer. Researchers have recently tied glyphosate exposure to acquiring serious diseases, prompting others to question the safety of the chemical, according to Scientific Reports.
If you have been a glyphosate user and are now suffering from an ailment, consider discussing your case with a lawyer today. The following are answers to some commonly asked questions about glyphosate that could help shed light on the dangers of using this chemical.
What Is Glyphosate?
Glyphosate is a synthetic chemical that you apply to plant leaves to halt its growth. People have extensively used this herbicide in the U.S. since 1974, thanks to its effectiveness in killing weeds and other invasive plants. Farmers, biologists, foresters, and gardeners are just some of those who rely on glyphosate to regulate the growth of harmful flora. Glyphosate is also the main ingredient in the Monsanto company’s popular herbicide, Roundup.
How Does Glyphosate Work?
Glyphosate hinders the EPSP synthase enzyme in plants to prevent the production of proteins that are necessary for plant growth. After a few days or weeks, the plants will turn yellow and die. Almost all plants will die from an application of a glyphosate-based herbicide, but scientists were able to create genetically modified plants that could withstand the chemical. Currently a majority of soybeans, corn acres, cotton acreage use herbicide-tolerant crops, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Where Can You Find Glyphosate?
Glyphosate is present in numerous products and comes in different formulations, such as solids, liquid concentrate, and ready-to-use liquid. There is widespread use for this herbicide in both agricultural and nonagricultural settings. Some examples of nonagricultural uses include residential areas, commercial areas, conservation land, parks, pastures, forests, and aquatic areas. Although hundreds of items for sale in the U.S. contain glyphosate, most people have come in contact with this chemical through the Roundup family of products.
What Are the Possible Ways You Could Get Exposed to Glyphosate?
Exposure to glyphosate can be through ingesting contaminated water, food, or working in the agricultural sector. You may also come in contact with the chemical if you breathe it in or touch plants that you recently sprayed. The general public mostly become exposed to glyphosate if it is sprayed near residential areas, used at home, or traces of the chemicals are in food items.
What Does Glyphosate Do to Your Body Once You Suffer Exposure to It?
Some people who unintentionally breathed in products containing glyphosate reportedly experienced nose and throat irritation. Skin or eye irritation is another common symptom of brief exposure to glyphosate.
Once a person swallows the chemical, more severe symptoms can occur, like nausea, a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, diarrhea, and vomiting. Intentionally ingesting glyphosate-based products can be fatal. Keep in mind that pets may also exhibit similar signs of glyphosate exposure, so it is best to keep them away from dangerous chemical items.
What is more troubling are the reports that people who frequently use Roundup in their line of work are the ones most likely to develop lymphohematopoietic cancers, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This type of cancer compromises the immune system and renders a person vulnerable to infections. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma can include the following:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Night sweats
- Chronic fatigue
Seek medical attention if you have prolonged exposure to glyphosate and have been experiencing signs of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Consider reaching out to an attorney from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm if you want to know more about your potential claim. Health complications related to glyphosate exposure can entail considerable medical expenses, as well as pain and suffering.
How Is Glyphosate Linked to Cancer?
Studies have revealed that glyphosate can break DNA strands and inflict DNA damage. This can eventually result in the development of tumors when normal lymphocytes turn into lymphoma cells. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is currently the most well-known health risk associated with glyphosate. The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) evaluated the carcinogenicity of glyphosate and concluded that it could cause genotoxicity.
Contact Us if You Believe You Are Suffering from Glyphosate Exposure
What does glyphosate do to your body after extended exposure to it? While the exact answer will depend on the facts of a particular situation, we aim to get to the truth regarding your case. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is dedicated to providing quality and compassionate legal representation to those seeking just compensation.
Speak to us by calling (800) 794-0444.