In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer changed its stance on Roundup cancer risks, warning the world that Roundup is likely carcinogenic. Multiple studies conducted around the world led the international agency to conclude that exposure to Roundup through gardening, landscaping and farming can result in non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia. Roundup cancer can occur in persons after as little as 8 hours of exposure to the herbicide, according to research. Despite the World Health Organization’s Roundup cancer warning, research findings published in The Lancet, and Roundup cancer warnings and bans issued around the globe, Monsanto continues to insist Roundup is safe from cancer risks.
Roundup is a broad-spectrum, non-selective herbicide which kills grasses and common weeds that typically compete with crops. Roundup is applied directly to plants and absorbed into them, killing weeds 2-3 days following application. The active ingredient in Roundup and similar herbicides is glyphosate.
Gylphosate was discovered to be an effective broad-spectrum weed killer in 1970 by a Monsanto scientist. Roundup was first marketed in 1974. Since that time, the product has become the most widely-used herbicide in United States agriculture, and the second most-used in American gardens, as well as home and commercial landscaping. As the world’s most widely-used weed killer, Roundup garners approximately 1/3 of Monsanto’s annual $15 billion in sales.
Research shows that Roundup cancer occurs in persons who use the herbicide for gardening, landscaping, or farming. Researchers believe that the Roundup cancer risk is the result of a chemical interaction between two ingredients in the herbicide, glyphosate and tallow-amines. Gardeners, landscape workers, and others who have been exposed to Roundup have been documented to suffer a higher rate of certain types of cancer, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Additionally, persons who have been exposed to Roundup have traces of the herbicide in both their blood and urine, according to research.
Based on analysis of several global studies, the IARC has classified Roundup as a “probable human carcinogen.” The primary Roundup cancer risk is for gardeners, landscape workers, farmers and others who work with the substance. Roundup lymphoma or cancer can result from as few as 8 hours of exposure, according to one study. Roundup that has been absorbed into food crops is not thought to pose a risk for cancer at this time.
Several studies conducted around the world have contributed to our understanding of the Roundup lymphoma risk. Today we know that anyone who has used the common herbicide may develop Roundup lymphoma. Those who use the glyphosate herbicide directly are most at risk, but research shows that persons living in areas where the product is often used also show signs of developing Roundup lymphoma or cancer. Chromosomal DNA changes have been detected in the general public which indicate individuals exposed to environmental glyphosate may also be at risk of developing Roundup cancer.
At this time, Monsanto continues to assert that the Roundup cancer risk is not real. Based on the generous donations Monsanto gives to many important causes, many Americans find it difficult to believe the company would put human life at risk. However, over the decades, Monsanto officials have been the subject of FDA and DOJ investigations and litigation for involvement in fraudulent scientific studies which reportedly have produced falsified evidence disproving the link between Roundup and cancer:
In the 1970s, Monsanto hired Industrial Bio-Test Laboratories to conduct Roundup cancer research. A 1976 federal investigation by the FDA determined the research company was guilty of “routine falsification of data” in its Roundup testing. Three top executives of IBT Laboratories were convicted of fraud in 1983.
In 1991, Monsanto worked with Craven Laboratories to again examine the safety of Roundup and the validity of Roundup cancer claims. A later Department of Justice investigation revealed Craven used falsified data in its research and produced results which supported Monsanto’s assertions. The company’s owner and several employees were eventually convicted of fraudulent lab practices in their testing related to Roundup and cancer risks.
In 1996, the New York Attorney General’s office brought fraud claims against Monsanto, alleging false advertising of Roundup. Monsanto was forced to cease and desist its advertising claims in the state of New York; the company can no longer advertise Roundup as safe for human use. However, in most other states, Monsanto is still free to advertise Roundup as it wishes.
Our lawyers handling Monsanto Roundup lawsuits are available to discuss your case at no cost to you. Our Roundup cancer attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you’ll pay no legal fees unless we win for you.
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