Roundup has been used in many applications to control the growth of weeds. This herbicide was developed by Monsanto and is used on farms, in residences and in commercial applications. While it has proven effective at killing weeds, it is often at the center of controversy for increasing the risk of cancer.
Glyphosate and the Risk
Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup. It kills off most plants by inhibiting their metabolic pathways. While some studies have indicated that the chemical is relatively safe and does not cause cancer or increase the risk, others have provided information that indicates otherwise.
An added issue with Roundup is that it may contain other ingredients which are not listed. Some of these ingredients may increase the toxicity of glyphosate and be even more dangerous than the active ingredient.
A study by the World Health Organization came to the conclusion that glyphosate could be carcinogenic and is linked to several cancers, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The study admits that more research is needed to determine the level of risk. However, this study did lead the US Environmental Protection Agency to conduct its own investigation into the weed killer.
Other Dangers of Roundup
While the focus is on whether Roundup can cause cancer or increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, other claims have been made against the weed killer. There are varying degrees of reliability of these studies and claims, but they are interesting to note.
- Chronic kidney disease – a study indicated the possibility of a link between Roundup and kidney diseases for farmers who worked and lived in Sri Lanka
- Complications with pregnancy – increased risk of birth defects
- Colitis – glyphosate may suppress natural bacteria
- Alzheimer’s disease – glyphosate may cause neural cell death which is found in those with the disease
- Parkinson’s disease – glyphosate may damage brain cells, which are linked with the disease
Even though Roundup is used in various applications, the main concern is for those with a higher level of exposure, such as is found in the agricultural industry. However, landscapers also face a higher risk if they used the product on a daily or regular basis.
GMO and Roundup
As Roundup proved to be quite effective against weeds, Monsanto sought to increase its use for farmers with GMO seeds. These seeds were genetically modified to be resistant against glyphosate. This allowed the farmers to spray the crop fields liberally without worry about their plants.
Tests have been done which show that some of these products contain glyphosate, such as corn, soybeans and canola. While there have been minimal indications that this level of exposure would cause any health concerns, it does show the power of the product.
Monsanto’s Stance
Even though the company has been hit with numerous lawsuits, Monsanto still maintains the safety of its product when used as directed. It has cited the report from the EPA as evidence which backs its claims.
The manufacturer has also listed other government agencies around the world which support claims of glyphosate’s safety. It has worked to discredit the report by the WHO agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer by saying it was “junk science.”
However, lawsuits continue to be filed against the company for its use of Roundup and failure to provide adequate warnings of the dangers of the product. In August of 2018, the first trial against Monsanto came to a conclusion with the jury awarding $289 million in damages to a former groundskeeper who had been diagnosed with cancer.
Monsanto appealed the decision, but the judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff and awarded $78.5 million. While the amount was reduced, the verdict stood, which has led the way for new lawsuits to be filed against the company.
A second trial concluded in March 2019 with the jury awarding $80 million to the plaintiff against Monsanto. A third trial is set for a decision in May 2019, which could have long-lasting effects. Over 11,000 lawsuits have been filed, which could be combined into one federal case.
Even those who used Roundup without the proper protection may challenge the manufacturer because advertisements stated that the weed killer was safe to spray without gloves. This indicates that exposure to the skin should not carry any risk.
More research is being conducted with new studies released to either support the use of glyphosate in pesticides or to warn against such use. The controversy will continue as more lawsuits against Monsanto reach verdicts.