If you’ve dealt with stubborn weeds or you work in an industry like agriculture where you regularly use herbicides, it’s likely you’ve come in contact with Roundup weed killer. The product is efficient when it comes to killing unwanted plants. There are, however, lawsuits being filed against the product’s manufacturer, Monsanto, because of related injuries. This popular herbicide has been linked to cancer diagnoses because of its chemicals—specifically its main ingredient glyphosate. If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer after using Roundup, you may have grounds to file a Little Rock Roundup weed killer lawsuit.
What Is Roundup Weed Killer?
Roundup weed killer has been on the market for decades as one of the country’s most popular herbicides. It’s used by commercial lawn care companies, homeowners, farmers, and others. It’s different from other herbicides because it’s non-selective. This means that it kills virtually all plants that it comes into contact with. This was a big selling point for the brand because it meant consumers didn’t have to purchase multiple herbicide products.
Every year, it’s estimated that 250 million pounds of Roundup are used to remove unwanted vegetation. Since its introduction, 9.4 billion tons of Roundup have been sprayed on fields worldwide. While Roundup weed killer is comprised of a multitude of chemicals, the main ingredient is glyphosate. The majority of health issues that people have experienced as a result of exposure to Roundup weed killer are linked back to this ingredient.
The Dangers of Glyphosate
Even though glyphosate is non-selective, it’s known for being especially effective at killing broadleaf plants and grasses. It does so by preventing the plants from producing the proteins needed to grow. Farmers can also use the chemical to regulate plant growth and ripen crops.
Because glyphosate is the most commonly used herbicide in the United States, it is used in gardening, agriculture, lawn care, and forestry. It’s also used to maintain the appearance of commercial properties. It’s estimated that millions of individuals have come into contact with the chemical because of its popularity.
In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) released information stating that glyphosate is potentially carcinogenic to humans. This means that it’s something that can cause cancer in the human body.
In addition to the risk of cancer, there are other issues with glyphosate. For example, it’s found to be very persistent once applied. It stays in the ground for months and is present in more than half of all soil, sediment, and water surfaces. Additionally, there’s evidence that it also kills off pollinators. More than 80 percent of Monarch butterflies have disappeared as a result of glyphosate exposure.
What Are the Health Conditions Associated with Roundup Exposure?
Short-term exposure to glyphosate can result in a number of unwanted symptoms. The most common include eye irritation, skin rashes, nausea, sore throat, difficulty breathing, headaches, dizziness, nose bleeds, and lethargy. The long-term consequences, however, are significantly harder to treat.
A positive link between glyphosate and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma was discovered by the World Health Organization (WHO). As a result, other countries, like Sri Lanka, Belgium, Columbia, France, and the Netherlands, have banned the use of this herbicide. It is, however, still widely used in the United States.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a form of cancer that occurs in the lymphatic system. The major sites of lymph tissue in the body include the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, thymus, adenoids and tonsils, and digestive tract. This cancer forms when the body produces too many abnormal white blood cells. Early symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, fever, chest pain, or belly pain.
There are many different types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, so doctors base their diagnosis on where the lymphoma starts, how it looks under a microscope, the chromosome features, and the presence of certain proteins on the surface of the cancer cells. Depending on the type, treatments may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, drug-targeted therapy, radiation, or surgery.
In addition to cancer, Roundup has been linked to other illnesses and conditions, including:
- Birth Defects
- Celiac Disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Heart Disease
- Liver Disease
- Depression
If you’re suffering from exposure to glyphosate, it’s important to work with a personal injury lawyer to seek the compensation you need to restore order in your life.
Who Can Recover Compensation from Monsanto?
Anyone who believes they were diagnosed with cancer or another condition as a result of exposure to Roundup weed killer has the legal right to file a personal injury claim. If the claim proceeds to a lawsuit, you’ll want to be backed by a strong team of lawyers to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Victims have already been awarded compensation for Roundup weed killer-related losses. For example, in May 2019, a California jury ordered Monsanto to pay just over $2 billion in compensatory and punitive damages to a married couple who both developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after using a number of Roundup products for many years.
If you believe you’re in a similar situation, you could be eligible for compensation to cover your related medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our personal injury lawyers can evaluate your situation and help you determine how to proceed.
Get Help from McMath Woods P.A.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with cancer or a different medical condition you believe is related to Roundup weed killer exposure, you may be eligible for compensation. Going up against a corporation like Monsanto can be challenging, but our lawyers will help you file a Little Rock Roundup weed killer lawsuit so you can get on the path to recovery. For more information, schedule a free consultation with us at your earliest convenience.
