Roundup Exposure Could Lead to Lymphoma

Roundup, the most widely used herbicide in the world and manufactured by Monsanto, now appears to significantly increase cancer risks. Monsanto, a St. Louis-based agribusiness giant, has faced numerous allegations through the years regarding Roundup, which has a primary ingredient of glyphosate—a “probable human carcinogen.” In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded—after numerous studies of glyphosate exposure in many nations—the chemical can cause cancer in human beings. In what is certainly not a surprise, Monsanto officials vigorously disputed these findings.

Roundup and Genetically Modified Crops

Roundup has been around since the 1970’s; however, it was not until the 1990’s when sales skyrocketed, after the introduction of “Roundup Ready” crops. These seeds are genetically engineered to resist the effects of Roundup, allowing farmers to spray it liberally on entire fields. Considering Roundup’s revenues in 2015 were approximately $5 billion, it is clear why the company is strongly denying allegations that exposure to the chemical could cause cancer. Monsanto’s claims received a boost when the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization concluded that there is little carcinogenic risk to humans through diet exposure alone; however, many believe Monsanto could be offering financial incentives to those who deny Roundup’s toxicity. What is a certainty is that most all of us consume GMO foods regularly, probably without even being aware of it.

Plaintiffs File Lawsuits Against Monsanto

Although politicians continue to court Monsanto, more and more of those harmed by the toxic chemical are taking the company to court. A significant number of lawsuits have been filed in federal court alleging Roundup exposure was responsible for their non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis. One of these plaintiffs spent years as a child migrant worker picking fruits and vegetables which had been sprayed with Roundup. Not realizing the potential dangers of the chemical, she also used Roundup at her home to kill weeds. A married mother of three from the Lone Star State was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2014 and has since undergone two rounds of chemotherapy and is still undergoing treatment.

Roundup Studies find Exposure Could Increase the Number of Cancer Cells

A 2016 study done by Italian and Brazilian researchers concluded glyphosate exposure definitely increased the risk for cutaneous melanoma, while a 2013 study found that glyphosate increases the risk of breast cancer by increasing the number of breast cancer cells via cell growth and division. The 2013 study was published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology, and also found that glyphosate fuels hormone-dependent cancer cells, and is an endocrine disruptor, which can lead to cancerous tumors. Another 2013 peer-reviewed report in the journal Entropy, found that glyphosate residues “enhance the damaging effects of other food-borne chemical residues and toxins in the environment to disrupt normal body functions and induce disease.

Is Monsanto Being Singled Out?

Because other companies also manufacture products which contain glyphosate, some wonder why Monsanto is apparently being targeted. Monsanto held the patent for glyphosate for many years, and are the EPA registrant for the chemical. Monsanto also continues to dominate the glyphosate market, plus Roundup contains other ingredients which increase the carcinogenicity of the glyphosate. Monsanto claims there are over 800 studies which prove the safety of Roundup; however, email evidence appears to point to the fact that Monsanto helped write the cancer studies on Roundup, and, even more troubling, that EPA officials colluded to keep reports on the carcinogenic qualities of Roundup out of the media.

If you believe exposure to Roundup resulted in your diagnosis of lymphoma or another type of cancer, it could be extremely beneficial for you to speak to an experienced Philadelphia class action and environmental attorney who will ensure your rights are protected, while working for an equitable settlement on your behalf.

To learn more about your legal options or to schedule a free consultation with an attorney, please call the Philadelphia class action lawyers at Golomb Legaltoday at (215) 278-4449 or fill out our confidential Contact Form.

The national environmental class action lawyers at Golomb Legalhave successfully represented individuals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and throughout the United States.

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