Roundup is a weed killer used by both individuals and in large-scale agricultural applications. Research links the active ingredient in Roundup weed killer primarily to the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Some reports also indicate this active ingredient could lead to the development of other types of cancer.
Roundup has been on the market for almost 45 years, and is used for killing off weeds in yards or crops. It is also used by commercial nurseries, parks, and golf courses. In all, consumers in the United States use around 250 million pounds of Roundup and similar herbicides each year.
Agricultural Workers Are Most At Risk
Those who have the most exposure to Roundup and other similar weed killers have the highest risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In general, most of them work with the herbicide or have regular exposure in the workplace. This may include:
- Farmers and other agricultural workers;
- Nursery employees;
- Landscapers;
- Golf course caregivers; and
- Park landscaping staff.
Individuals who use the product frequently may also be at risk. Care should be taken to reduce exposure while mixing the spray, or cleaning up after use.
Glyphosate Herbicides and Cancer
Glyphosate is the primary active ingredient in Roundup and all its all store-brand versions. It took until 2015 for any major organization to speak out about the cancer risk associated with glyphosate-based herbicides.
In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer — an arm of the World Health Organization — spoke out against products containing glyphosate. They issued a monograph that concluded that these weed killers, including Monsanto’s Roundup, are “a probable carcinogen in humans.” Their report cites studies showing a significant increase in cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma among those in agricultural professions, such as farmers, landscapers, nursery workers, and others who report regular use of Roundup or other glyphosate weed killers. They also point to a link between glyphosate exposure and rare tumors in mice as a reason they consider the chemical a probable carcinogen.
In addition to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, some claim they developed other cancers because of exposure to glyphosate-based products. This includes B-cell lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma. Most reports center on non-Hodgkin lymphoma, however.
Living with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, sometimes also called non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or simply NHL, is actually a group of blood cancers that develop in a very specific way, and affect the body’s white blood cells. These cells, lymphocytes, play a key role in the immune system.
In most people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the cancer begins in their lymph nodes and other lymphatic tissues. Occasionally, it may begin in the bone marrow or blood, but this is not as common. If doctors discover it early, prognosis is good. Most patients require chemotherapy and/or radiation for treatment. Surgery is not usually an effective treatment for these cancers, but they may need to perform surgery to remove an affected lymph node for testing.
Like all cancers, non-Hodgkin lymphoma can be deadly if not caught early and treated aggressively. Some of these cancers spread faster than others, so getting the medical attention you need at any sign of a problem is important. Key indicators of a problem include swollen lymph nodes, anemia, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and night sweats.
Contacting a Monsanto Roundup Cancer Lawsuit Attorney
If you received a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma or other blood cancer after exposure to Roundup, you may be eligible to pursue compensation from Monsanto or another herbicide manufacturer. Give us a call today, and discuss your case with one of our Roundup lawsuit attorneys.
If we believe you have a case, we will go to work establishing a viable claim by linking your cancer diagnosis to your exposure to Roundup. We will collect evidence such as your medical records and documentation of your herbicide exposure. This will allow us to pursue compensation by filing a claim against Monsanto or other liable parties.
At Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C., our attorneys know what it takes to win this type of case. We offer every potential client a free case review, and we can help you develop a plan of action to recover the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 631-600-0000 to schedule a free complimentary case evaluation with one of our Roundup lawsuit attorneys. You pay nothing unless we recover a payout in your case.
