Whether you’re a farmer looking to raise a large crop of corn or a homeowner trying to get rid of weeds in your yard, Roundup is a widely used solution.

But, does Roundup cause cancer?

There have been several cases recently that indicate a strong link between Roundup and cancer in humans. In this article, we explore recent studies and court decisions involving cancer victims and the use of Roundup. If you have used Roundup at home or at work, you owe it to yourself to understand the potential risks.  With proper information, you can assess the danger and decide for yourself.

Keep reading to learn more about the connection between Roundup cancer in humans.

What is Roundup?

Roundup is an herbicide manufactured by The Monsanto Company, a $66 billion agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology corporation founded in 1901.  In addition to agricultural products, The Monsanto Company also manufactured and sold Agent Orange to the U.S. military from 1965-1969.  In 2018, Monsanto was acquired by Bayer AG.  Monsanto is also known for the creation of numerous other agricultural chemicals as well as genetically-modified seeds.

While you can get Roundup in large commercial quantities, it’s also widely available in numerous home improvement, garden, and grocery stores across the U.S.  It comes in a variety of packages including small spray bottles for home use.

Dangerous Ingredient in Roundup

There is one dangerous ingredient in Roundup that researchers at the University of Washington have recently evaluated. It’s known as glyphosate and has been linked to a 41% increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that attacks the immune system. It starts in the white blood cells and then moves through the lymphatic system which is responsible for removing waste from the body’s systems.

As you can imagine, this is a dangerous type of cancer to get because it can spread quickly to other parts of the body and may not be detected early. Often, the only treatment option is chemotherapy and/or radiation.

Does Roundup Cause Cancer?

No one can say with 100% certainty that Roundup directly causes cancer.  Similarly, no one can say with 100% certainty that smoking causes lung cancer.  However, there is sufficient evidence to suggest a strong correlation between Roundup usage and the development of certain types of cancer like non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas.

The fact that studies have shown Roundup significantly increase the chances of developing cancer is enough to show that Roundup’s manufacturer should be taking responsibility for cancer cases in Roundup users.

What is Product Liability?

Companies have a responsibility to create products that are safe for consumers. When they aren’t, they are expected to clearly state any dangers so users can make informed decisions about a product and use it safely.

If a company is found to be hiding information or failed to act to resolve a problem, they may be found liable if someone is injured or made ill because of a product.

A product liability case is one that seeks to hold companies accountable for not taking the necessary steps to protect their customers. With Roundup, that means those who have developed cancer could have a case against Monsanto.

Roundup Cancer Cases

Below are a few examples of recent court cases where The Monsanto Company was sued by consumers diagnosed with cancer. In each of these cases, the court found a definitive link between Roundup and cancer in the victims.

Edwin Hardeman

For nearly 30 years, Edwin Hardeman used Roundup on his property as a weed killer. There was no information on the Roundup label clearly warning Mr. Hardeman, or any consumer, of the potential cancer risk from using Roundup.  He had no idea how dangerous the chemical could be.

He was diagnosed with cancer in 2015. And, when the World Health Organization came out with information about glyphosate being linked to non-Hodgkin lymphomas, he and his wife sued Monsanto.

In March of 2019, Mr. Hardeman won his case against Monsanto and and the court awarded him $80 million to be paid by The Monsanto Company (Bayer AG).  It was determined that Roundup was a “substantial factor” in his development of cancer and that Monsanto was liable.

DeWayne Johnson

After working as a groundskeeper for a school for several years, DeWayne “Lee” Johnson developed a skin rash that wouldn’t go away. Despite this, he was expected to continue to use glyphosate-containing products at work.

While attempting to make a diagnosis, medical staff checked product safety sheets for any mention of cancer and found none. Partially due to this, his diagnosis was delayed until it was too far developed to be treated.

A jury unanimously found Monsanto irresponsible and he was awarded $78 million by a judge in August 2018. Sadly, this settlement cannot undo the damage cancer has caused to his body.  With such an advanced stage of cancer, Mr. Johnson’s outlook is very grim and doctor’s believe he doesn’t have long to live.

Thousands More

At this time, there are thousands of other people who are in the process of suing Monsanto because of its connection with Roundup and cancer.

Other cases which are being brought forward as well are wrongful death cases. When a loved one has already succumbed to cancer, families suing the company to blame hope to at least cover medical bills.

Despite the growing number of people coming forward and an increasing amount of evidence gathered by independent research groups, Monsanto and its parent company, Bayer AG, continue to deny their products can cause cancer.

Multi-National Ban on Roundup

Another indication that something is dangerous is to look at how various countries around the world handle it. In the case of glyphosate and Roundup, it’s clear that many governments outside the U.S. believe it to be dangerous.

As of this writing, the following countries have already banned glyphosate or will be doing so in the near future:

• Argentina

• Australia

• Austria

• Belgium

• Bermuda

• Brazil

• Canada

• Colombia

• Czech Republic

• Denmark

• El Salvador

• France

• Germany

• Greece

• India

• Italy

• Luxembourg

• Malta

• Netherlands

• New Zealand

• Portugal

• Scotland

• Slovenia

• Spain

• Sri Lanka

• Sweden

• Switzerland

• United Kingdom

• Vietnam

As you can see, there is a mixture of developed and undeveloped countries on this list. With this many countries concluding that this chemical is dangerous, it may be only a matter of time before the U.S. does the same.

Some of these countries have only banned these chemicals for home use so Roundup and similar weed killers are still being used in commercial settings. However, it’s clear these 29 countries are prepared to protect their citizens.

Is It Possible Roundup Caused Cancer in You or a Loved One?

Now you know the answer to the question “Does Roundup cause cancer?” As you can see, there is mounting evidence and numerous court cases where that question is no longer in doubt.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with certain types of cancer and believe Roundup could be the cause, contact us today. We have already won over $100 million for our clients and can help you get what you deserve.