Can RoundUp Herbicide Cause Cancer or Other Health Issues?

 Posted on July 20, 2022 in Personal Injury

There are a wide variety of toxic substances that can cause people to suffer serious illnesses or other health issues. Americans expect to be protected against exposure to these substances, ensuring that they can live their lives safely. However, there are some cases where manufacturers claim that chemicals are safe to use when these substances are actually harmful. Herbicides and pesticides are a common example of these types of dangerous chemicals, and they are often sprayed on crops in large quantities and used in other ways that can affect workers or people in nearby communities. RoundUp, one of the most commonly-used herbicides, may potentially cause serious harm to those who have experienced high levels of exposure, and victims may be able to take legal action against the manufacturer to address these issues.

Potential Health Risks of RoundUp

The active chemical in RoundUp is known as glyphosate, and it inhibits plant growth. While the manufacturer of RoundUp has claimed that this chemical is safe and non-toxic to humans, studies have found that extended exposure to glyphosate may lead to a number of health issues, including:

• Cancer - The International Agency for Research on Cancer has categorized glyphosate as a probable carcinogen for humans. RoundUp has been linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which affects the body’s immune system. 

• Damage to internal organs - Exposure to RoundUp may potentially cause damage to the liver or kidneys.

• Fertility or reproductive issues - RoundUp may affect both the male and female reproductive systems. Some scientists have raised concerns that when pregnant women are exposed to glyphosate, this may affect the development of a fetus.

• Other health disorders - RoundUp has been linked to thyroid disease, disruptions of the endocrine system and the microbiome in the intestines, and neurological disorders such as ALS.

Low levels of exposure to RoundUp are generally not considered to be harmful, and those who use weed-killers around the home are unlikely to experience health issues. However, long-term exposure may lead to different types of disorders. People who work in the agricultural industry are more likely to be exposed to RoundUp or other herbicides containing glyphosate on a regular, ongoing basis. People who live near farms where herbicides are sprayed on crops may also be exposed to these chemicals. Glyphosate may also be absorbed into the soil and enter waterways, leading to exposure for people in the community.

Contact Our Pittsburgh Herbicide Injury Lawyers

In recent years, a number of people have successfully sued the manufacturer of RoundUp and recovered compensation for injuries caused by glyphosate. As a result of the ongoing concerns about the safety of this chemical, RoundUp is being removed from the consumer market, and the manufacturer has stated that it will no longer be available by 2023. However, the continued use of herbicides containing glyphosate on farms may result in exposure for agricultural workers or others, and those who have suffered adverse health effects may be able to take legal action to address this issue. At Colianni & Leonard LLC, we can help victims of these types of injuries determine their legal options and ensure that they take the correct steps to hold the manufacturers of dangerous chemicals responsible for causing them harm. To arrange a free consultation and learn more about how we can help address these issues, contact our Allegheny County toxic chemical exposure attorneys at 412-680-7877.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/cancer/herbicide-glyphosate-cancer

https://usrtk.org/pesticides/glyphosate-health-concerns/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/roundup-glyphosate-and-health