Roundup is one of the most popular herbicides in the world, but it has also been the subject of much controversy. In recent years, there has been a growing number of lawsuits alleging that Roundup causes cancer. These lawsuits have raised serious concerns about the safety of Roundup and its active ingredient, glyphosate.
In this article, we will explore the Roundup controversy and examine the scientific evidence on the link between glyphosate and cancer.
Roundup and Glyphosate
Roundup, initially manufactured by Monsanto and later acquired by Bayer in 2018, is a systemic, broad-spectrum herbicide. It holds the distinction of being the most extensively employed herbicide globally, with glyphosate as its active ingredient. Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide, effectively eliminating all plants it encounters. It is used in agriculture, forestry, and landscaping to control weeds.
NBC News published an analysis in 2022, uncovering startling data on agricultural glyphosate usage in the United States. On average, nearly 130 pounds of glyphosate herbicides were applied per square mile nationwide. Notably, Nueces County, Texas, stood out with an astonishing rate of over 1,100 pounds sprayed per square mile. Iowa and Illinois, major corn and soy producers, collectively accounted for 15% of the country’s glyphosate usage.
However, there has been growing concern in recent years about the potential health risks of glyphosate, particularly its link to cancer. Glyphosate was categorized as a likely human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2015.
The Cancer Allegations
The core of the Roundup controversy centers on claims of glyphosate exposure potentially being connected to cancer development. This contentious claim gained momentum following the IARC classification of glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans” in 2015. Since then, there has been a growing body of scientific evidence linking glyphosate to cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
A meta-analysis of six studies, as reported by VeryWell Health, revealed a potential link between glyphosate and cancer. The study found a 41% higher risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in individuals with the highest glyphosate exposure.
In addition to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, glyphosate has also been linked to other types of cancer, including leukemia, multiple myeloma, and prostate cancer. However, the evidence for these other cancers is weak.
The cancer allegations remain a central dispute in the Roundup controversy, necessitating thorough scrutiny of its health risks. It emphasizes the herbicide’s broad implications.
The Rise of Roundup Lawsuits
The Roundup controversy shifted dramatically as a wave of lawsuits linked cancer diagnoses to glyphosate exposure involving diverse individuals. Initially a few legal skirmishes, it rapidly evolved into a sprawling legal battleground, garnering substantial interest from the public and legal professionals.
In 2016, the first Roundup lawsuit went to trial. The jury in 2018 found Monsanto liable for causing the plaintiff’s cancer and awarded him $289 million in damages. Since then, thousands of Roundup lawsuits have been filed in the United States. In 2020, Monsanto’s parent company, Bayer, agreed to pay $10.9 billion to settle around 100,000 Roundup lawsuits, as per Drugwatch.
Subsequently, the floodgates opened, with Roundup lawsuits multiplying across the United States. Due to the high caseload, lawsuits were consolidated into federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) to streamline and manage them more efficiently.
These lawsuits exposed internal Monsanto documents, casting doubt on the company’s awareness of potential health risks linked to glyphosate. The disclosure of such documents added weight to the allegations against Roundup, fueling public skepticism and intensifying legal scrutiny.
The evolving Roundup lawsuit landscape highlights the intricate relationship among science, regulation, and corporate responsibility. It raises pressing safety and health impact questions for courts and the public to address.
Legal Arguments and Defenses
Amid the deluge of Roundup lawsuits, legal battles have revolved around various arguments and defenses. Plaintiffs in these cases typically assert that exposure to glyphosate-containing Roundup directly contributed to their cancer diagnoses. These arguments often emphasize establishing a causal link between Roundup use and developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other malignancies.
Conversely, Bayer AG (formerly Monsanto), the manufacturer of Roundup, has vigorously defended its product’s safety. Bayer’s defense frequently hinges on disputing the scientific basis for cancer claims and pointing to past EPA approvals of glyphosate safety. These approvals have historically affirmed glyphosate’s safety when used correctly.
Monsanto, as per TorHoerman Law, defends itself using internal research, asserting glyphosate is “over ten times less toxic than caffeine.” Monsanto maintains its safety claims, stating, “Over 700 studies show no cancer association with glyphosate.”
The Impact on Agriculture and Gardening
The Roundup controversy is having several negative impacts on farmers. First, it is making it more difficult for them to control weeds. Glyphosate is a very effective herbicide, and no other herbicides are as effective and affordable. Second, the Roundup controversy is increasing the cost of farming.
Farmers are switching to more expensive herbicides and spending more time and money on other weed control methods.
The controversy is also having a significant impact on gardeners. Many gardeners are now reluctant to use Roundup in their gardens, and some are switching to organic gardening methods. It is due to the growing concerns about the safety of Roundup and the potential link to cancer.
Health and Safety Precautions
The Roundup controversy has raised concerns about the health and safety of using Roundup. According to data from the National Pesticide Information Center, 60% of farmers exhibited detectable glyphosate levels in their urine. These levels were recorded at a minimum of 1 part per billion (ppb), highlighting the prevalence of glyphosate exposure within the farming community.
Therefore, taking precautions to reduce your exposure to Roundup is important, especially if you are using it regularly.
When using Roundup, prioritizing health and safety is crucial. Start by meticulously adhering to label instructions, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Avoid spraying on windy days to prevent drift, steer clear of water bodies, let treated areas dry, and always wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Ongoing Developments
The controversy remains dynamic and evolving, with significant ongoing developments across multiple fronts. One of the most notable aspects is the continuation of Roundup lawsuits.
Numerous cases are progressing through the legal system, collectively molding the trajectory of the controversy with evolving evidence and verdicts. Forbes reports that there are currently 30,000 pending lawsuits, with 4,000 consolidated in California’s multidistrict litigation (MDL). It’s essential to note that MDL cases differ from class-action suits.
Scientific research on glyphosate’s potential health effects persists as researchers conduct studies and investigate its carcinogenicity. Regulatory bodies are actively reconsidering glyphosate, which may result in altered labeling, usage restrictions, or outright bans in specific areas.
Final Words
The Roundup cancer controversy is complex, captivating the public, scientists, regulators, and the legal system due to its multifaceted nature. Roundup’s journey from revolutionary herbicide to the epicenter of a massive legal dispute has witnessed a profound transformation over time.
The evolving Roundup controversy is undeniably ongoing, with its complexities continually surfacing. Its repercussions will resonate across science, law, and agriculture, shaping these domains for years.