Herbicides used to eradicate weeds are sold under the trade name Roundup. The glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup, which the Monsanto Company initially created in 1973, swiftly rose to the top of the global bestseller list for killing weeds and other unwanted species.
In the 1990s, Monsanto also developed genetically altered seeds that it claimed could withstand glyphosate as part of the development of Roundup. These trademarked seeds, which Monsanto claimed farmers could sow when using Roundup on their fields, are referred to as “Roundup Ready” crops. These Roundup Ready seeds were developed for various crops, including cotton, soy, and maize.
In the 1990s, Monsanto extensively promoted Roundup and Roundup Ready crops. With more than half a million pounds of Roundup marketed and used countrywide between 1996 and 2011, sales of Roundup and Roundup Ready crops surged.
Since 2018, the multinational, German-based pharmaceutical corporation Bayer has controlled Monsanto.
What are Injuries from Monsanto Roundup?
Monsanto produces the weed pesticide Roundup. Recently, the product has been linked to cancer incidences. The Roundup cancer cases suggest that glyphosate, the product’s primary ingredient, may likely be carcinogenic.
The Monsanto Roundup cancer cases have given rise to lawsuits and other legal issues.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and leukemia diagnoses are present in many of these cases.
The people most in danger from Roundup include:
- Farmworkers
- Those who have come into contact with the product at work
- Garden center employees
- Nursery workers
- Landscapers
In addition to contact with drinking water and eating contaminated food, exposure can also happen by inhalation during spraying, mixing, or cleanup. Roundup can result in further injuries such as chemical burns, poisoning, and other related occurrences, just like other household chemical products can.
The Risks of Cancer and Other Health Problems from Roundup
Glyphosate is the component of Roundup that kills weeds. Monsanto has asserted time and time again that its product is risk-free and does not endanger public health.
However, a number of studies published recently contend that glyphosate causes the malignancy of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Thus, glyphosate was labeled as a “probable human carcinogen” by the World Health Organization in 2015.
There are other health issues linked to exposure to Roundup and glyphosate.
Other medical issues include:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: There have been reports of higher rates of ADHD in specific farming communities where glyphosate use is widespread.
- Alzheimer’s disease: According to laboratory studies, Roundup causes the same health issues as are frequently seen in Alzheimer’s sufferers.
- Autism: Glyphosate’s biological effects have been connected to an increase in the prevalence of autism, especially given that the chemical frequently causes aluminum buildup in the brain, a prevalent cause of the condition.
- Birth defects: According to a study, there is a twofold increase in the likelihood that a child would be born with a birth defect to pregnant women who live within one kilometer of fields treated with glyphosate.
- Brain cancer: According to a different study, women exposed to Roundup for at least two years before conception had a twofold increased risk of giving birth to a child who had the disease.
- Celiac disease: According to a study, fish exposed to glyphosate exhibited digestive issues that were similar to those of humans with Celiac disease, which makes people resistant to gluten.
- Colon inflammation: Colon inflammation has been linked to exposure to glyphosate in cases of colitis.
- Depression: Some people have claimed that their rates of depression have risen as a result of glyphosate exposure.
- Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes was found to be more likely to develop in animals exposed to Roundup in laboratory research.
- Heart disease: Glyphosate may interfere with the body’s ability to produce several enzymes, which could lead to lysosomal dysfunction and heart disease.
- Hyperthyroidism: The prevalence of hyperthyroidism was shown to be higher in specific farming communities where Roundup was frequently used to treat crops, according to a study.
- Inflammatory bowel illness: Inflammatory bowel illness, sometimes referred to as “leaky gut syndrome,” has been associated with glyphosate.
- Liver disease: A study has connected exposure to Roundup to diminished liver cell activity.
- ALS: Glyphosate has been connected to the neurological condition known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, which causes Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS).
- MS: Glyphosate exposure has been linked to the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) in some individuals.
- Parkinson’s disease: Laboratory research has discovered a direct correlation between glyphosate exposure and the brain-damaging symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
According to studies, chronic respiratory illnesses are more common in rural regions where Roundup is frequently used.
Monsanto (Bayer) Agrees to Pay $10.9 Billion in Roundup Settlement
On June 24, 2020, Bayer AG announced that the global corporation had struck preliminary settlement agreements with five of the most reputable legal firms in the Roundup cancer litigation. The settlements would cost about $11 billion and cover more than 100,000 Roundup lawsuits.
After more than a year of negotiations and three straight trial losses for Bayer, the agreements were achieved.
Suing Roundup
Farmers, gardeners, maintenance personnel, agricultural workers, and many other people utilize the Monsanto herbicide Roundup (glyphosate) as an all-purpose weed killer. Monsanto has consistently insisted that Roundup is safe and has refuted allegations that it causes cancer since the product’s introduction to the market in the 1970s. It was once said in a Monsanto marketing that Roundup is “safer than table salt.”
But according to internal Monsanto communications that are now popularly referred to as The Monsanto Papers, Monsanto has been aware that Roundup (glyphosate) causes cancer for several years.
As sales of Roundup continued to soar, Monsanto chose to conceal the risks rather than warning consumers about the possibility of developing cancer from glyphosate.
IARC reviewed the available evidence on Roundup and cancer in March 2015 and concluded that the popular herbicide is “probably carcinogenic to people.” The cancer agency also concluded that non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the malignancy most closely linked to glyphosate exposure.
More than 100,000 people have chosen to file a Roundup lawsuit, claiming exposure to the herbicide causes cancer. They are outraged by Monsanto’s dishonesty.
There are Still 30,000 Roundup Cases Open
By the end of October 2022, Monsanto had settled about 100,000 Roundup cases. Monsanto made a roughly $11 billion payment. Bayer has achieved this by striking block settlement deals with plaintiffs’ attorneys who are representing several clients in the litigation.
Although there are currently between 26,000 and 30,000 outstanding Roundup litigation, these settlements represent close to 80% of all pending claims. In state courts, litigation has often been filed. However, the MDL Roundup class action lawsuit is still proceeding in California with more than 4,000 claims.
Roundup cases are still being brought often.
Who is Responsible for Monsanto Roundup-Related Damages?
Serious injuries may result from exposure to Monsanto Roundup. Depending on the situation, different parties may be held accountable for the harm brought on by the goods. In many instances, the maker of Roundup or other comparable herbicides can be held accountable for injuries brought on by a manufacturing flaw.
For instance, the producer may be responsible for injuries caused by a warning defect if the Roundup product’s container does not have enough warning labels.
How Can a Monsanto Roundup Injury Be Recovered From Legally?
Roundup injury claims may need filing a lawsuit and may involve a variety of legal difficulties. In these circumstances, a monetary damages award is frequently used as the legal remedy. The culpable party compensates these to the victim or victims in the case. Hospital bills, medical costs, pain and suffering, lost pay, and other costs may be included in the damages. Injuries caused by Roundup may also be the subject of class action lawsuits.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Monsanto Roundup Legal Assistance?
If you need assistance with a legal claim, contacting a class action attorney close to you could be necessary due to the complexity of Monsanto Roundup litigation. In addition to giving you advice, your lawyer can represent you in court proceedings. Your attorney can conduct legal research and offer advice if you have any issues.
