Does Roundup Cause Cancer?

Key Takeaways

• There is ongoing debate about whether Roundup, which contains glyphosate, causes cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
  
• Scientific research is conflicting: some studies and agencies suggest glyphosate is carcinogenic, while others claim it is safe when used as directed.
  
• Roundup’s link to cancer is strong enough that lawsuits against Bayer have led to significant settlements for individuals who developed cancer after using it.
  
• Bayer has taken steps to improve safety, including removing glyphosate from residential products, but concerns about its health risks remain.

Over the last decade, there’s been much debate over Roundup weed killer and its key ingredient, glyphosate. Scientists and health experts have warned that exposure to glyphosate may increase your risk of cancer, specifically non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. On the other hand, some government agencies maintain it’s safe to use. 

So, what’s the answer? Should you worry about getting sick just because you treated your own lawn, or used Roundup on the job? What if you simply live near an area where it’s regularly applied?

It’s disturbing that you even have to consider these questions. Roundup’s manufacturers should have safeguarded your health and peace of mind. But understanding the risks of glyphosate exposure can help alleviate your concerns and better prepare you to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

If you suspect that Roundup is linked to your non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis, or if a loved one has been affected, know that you have options. Join the Many for a no-cost case review to find out if you might be eligible for compensation. You’ll only pay legal fees if you receive a settlement.

What is Roundup?

In 1974, Monsanto (now Bayer) introduced Roundup weed killer to the world. Its active ingredient, glyphosate, proved to be extremely effective at protecting crops from invasive weeds and grasses. And so, Roundup quickly became the most popular herbicide on the market. 

Glyphosate works by “blocking” a specific pathway in plants that is responsible for processing essential amino acids the plants need to thrive. Humans and animals don’t have this pathway, making Roundup uniquely toxic to plants. 

The widespread use of glyphosate has a darker side. Scientists began to raise concerns about its safety and possible health risks, especially for people who were frequently exposed to the chemical. 

Eventually, Roundup’s popularity fueled the development of genetically modified crops, like Roundup Ready soybeans, corn, and cotton. These crops are resistant to glyphosate, so farmers can spray Roundup directly on the plants, resulting in more efficient weed control, less need for tilling, and bigger crop yields. Eventually, a residential glyphosate-based Roundup formula hit the shelves so anyone could use it to keep their lawns and gardens looking sharp. 

But the widespread use of glyphosate has shown to have a darker side. Scientists began to raise concerns about its safety and possible cancer risks, especially for people who were frequently exposed to the chemical. 

Scientific Research on Glyphosate and Cancer

The controversy over glyphosate-based Roundup’s safety began in 2015 with a report from the International Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO). There have been numerous studies since then, and the results haven’t always aligned. Here are just a few examples: 

• In 2015, researchers for the IARC classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen” (meaning it could cause cancer) based on limited human studies and extensive evidence in animal studies.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has evaluated glyphosate several times, concluding that it is “not likely to be carcinogenic to humans” at doses typically used in agriculture and when used as directed.
• A 2019 study found that people with high exposure to glyphosate, like you might get from spraying Roundup commercially, saw their risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma increase by 41%
• The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that glyphosate is unlikely to cause cancer in humans based on a comprehensive review of available findings.
• The University of California at Berkeley published a study in 2023 detailing how childhood exposure to glyphosate led to liver inflammation and metabolic disorder in early adulthood, which could cause liver cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease later in life.

Why is There Contradicting Research About Glyphosate Safety?

At the end of the day, we all just want to protect ourselves and the people we care about. Consumers deserve a straight answer about the link between glyphosate and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. So why don’t we have one? It’s not uncommon for researchers to come to different conclusions, but it is frustrating when your safety hangs in the balance. 

Conflicting research aside, the evidence linking glyphosate-based Roundup to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is real and strong enough to set Bayer back by billions of dollars in legal costs. 

It may be helpful to understand some conflicts can be chalked up to differences in how evidence is weighed and interpreted. For example, the IARC was focused on whether glyphosate could cause cancer under any circumstances, regardless of exposure levels. On the other hand, the EPA and EFSA were more interested in risk assessment, which does take exposure levels into account. 

Unfortunately, we also have to make room for the possibility that some studies were not conducted in good faith. It’s not unheard of for companies to fund research that serves their own interests. 

Bayer Hit with Roundup Cancer Lawsuits

Conflicting research aside, the evidence linking glyphosate-based Roundup to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is real and strong enough to set Bayer back by billions of dollars in legal costs. Thousands of people have come forward to tell their stories about how Roundup hurt their families, and the courts are listening. That’s why Bayer has set aside billions of dollars for current and future victims. 

Here are some key outcomes: 

• In 2018, a California jury awarded $289 million to Dewayne Johnson, a groundskeeper who claimed that his non-Hodgkin lymphoma was a result of Roundup exposure. This award was later reduced to $78.5 million, but the case set a significant precedent and opened the floodgates for further litigation.
• In 2019, a jury awarded a staggering $2 billion to a couple, Alva and Alberta Pilliod, linking their cancer to long-term Roundup use. Although this amount was also reduced upon appeal, these cases have highlighted the potential legal liabilities faced by Bayer. 
• Also in 2019, Edwin Hardeman was awarded $80 million by a federal jury in California. Hardeman developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after using Roundup for decades and argued that the herbicide was a substantial factor in causing his cancer. The award was later reduced to $25 million.
• In 2023, a Philadelphia court ordered Bayer to pay John McKivision, who used Roundup in his own yard and later developed cancer, $2.25 billion.

Will Roundup Lawsuits Impact Glyphosate Cancer Studies?

They already have. Legal battles as big as the Roundup controversy draw a lot of attention. As more people became aware of glyphosate’s risk factors, public outcry and media coverage put pressure on regulatory bodies to re-evaluate glyphosate and consider stronger regulations or bans. Some regions, such as parts of the European Union and several U.S. municipalities, have already put restrictions or outright bans on glyphosate use.

What Does Bayer Say About Roundup and Cancer?

Monsanto and Bayer have consistently defended the safety of glyphosate, emphasizing that regulatory bodies worldwide have found it to be safe when used as directed. Here are some other measures taken to boost glyphosate safety: 

• The corporation announced it would remove glyphosate from residential Roundup beginning 2023.
• Product labels were updated with clearer usage instructions and safety warnings, aiming to minimize potential risks.
• Improved guidelines and training for the safe handling and application of glyphosate-based products have been introduced to protect workers and consumers. 

These are helpful measures, but are they enough to protect you and your family? What if you were already exposed? There are too many unknowns for a product as widely used as Roundup. 

If you’re one of the many who have already been exposed and gotten sick, our hearts are with you. Our legal system doesn’t always make it easy for “the little guy” to stand up for what’s right. But Join the Many is changing that. 

If you’ve been harmed by Roundup, contact us. We’ll help you understand your rights and connect you to the best legal care for your case so you can claim the benefits you deserve. Our experts will do the hard work for you in and out of the courtroom, handling all the paperwork, record gathering, and litigation. 

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