Roundup is a widely used herbicide that’s been in use since the 1970s. It’s one of the most popular weed killers and comes in liquid and powder forms. Roundup contains glyphosate, an active ingredient that kills many plants by blocking their ability to produce certain proteins essential for growth. The glyphosate content ranges from 0.96 to 94 w/w% in most commercially available herbicides. In Roundup, it can go up to 71 w/w%.
The chemical compound has been linked to several health conditions, such as cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Due to these claims, several lawsuits have been filed against Monsanto company over its Roundup product line. In fact, there are so many cases that now thousands are pending before U.S. courts. Here are some key facts about this litigation:
The Origins of Roundup Lawsuits
Roundup was first introduced in 1974 by Monsanto. It was the first glyphosate-based herbicide on the market and remains one of the most popular weed killers in the world today. Roundup is used by farmers and home gardeners, who apply it to their fields before planting. This helps prevent weeds from growing around their crops.
However, there has been controversy surrounding its use for years because of its links to human cancer risks. This has led many people affected by cancer to file lawsuits against Monsanto, seeking compensation for damages caused by Roundup exposure.
You can file a lawsuit if you have developed cancer due to Roundup exposure. You can allege that the manufacturer neglected your health through a Roundup lawsuit. Plaintiffs also state that Monsanto knew the potential health risks but didn’t inform the users about them.
Pioneering Lawsuits
As the health risks associated with Roundup emerged, the number of cases against Monsanto kept increasing. The first tracked lawsuit against Monsanto for cancer was filed in 2016. The case was fast-tracked, and in 2018, Monsanto was ordered to pay $289 million to the plaintiff. Since then, more than 100,000 similar cases have been settled, and over 4,000 individual lawsuits have consolidated.
The company is crafting a defense to save itself from paying out settlement amounts. However, this is going to be very challenging. That’s because several studies have already proven the link between Roundup and cancers. One study shows that the chance of contracting non-Hodgkin lymphoma is almost 41% for those exposed to the chemical.
According to TorHoerman Law, this increasing number of lawsuits has given rise to many new updates in the course of action. In August 2023, Monsanto settled over 100,000 Roundup lawsuits. The settlement amount paid by Monsanto was $11 billion, out of which $2 billion was set aside for future cases.
Despite settling over 100,000 cases, around 30,000 Roundup lawsuits are still pending. In fact, this number is expected to rise even more.
Class Action Lawsuits
Class action lawsuits are a type of civil lawsuit that can be filed on behalf of a group of people. This means that one person may file a lawsuit on behalf of others who have also been affected by the same problem.
Class actions often result in significant settlements for those involved. That’s because they allow plaintiffs to pool their resources together and hire lawyers more easily. Class actions usually target large corporations or government entities. Still, smaller groups can also bring class action against small businesses or individuals depending on the circumstances surrounding their case.
Glyphosate and Health Risks
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide, and discussions about its potential health risks have generated significant attention and debate. The market for glyphosate, and hence Roundup, is very large. It stood at $9.3 billion in 2020. The demand for high-quality produce is one of the driving factors.
Here’s an overview of what is known about glyphosate and its potential health effects:
- Exposure levels: The potential health risks of glyphosate often depend on the level and duration of exposure. Agricultural workers and people who live near areas where glyphosate is used may have a higher risk of exposure than the general population. Proper safety precautions, such as using protective clothing and equipment, can reduce exposure.
- Carcinogenicity: One of the most controversial aspects of glyphosate is its potential link to cancer. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified glyphosate as carcinogenic to humans. This classification was based on limited evidence of cancer in humans and sufficient evidence of cancer in experimental animals.
However, other regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have conducted their own assessments. These assessments have found high exposure to glyphosate to be carcinogenic. Hence, such government agencies always advise people to use Roundup, as per the levels mentioned on labels.
- Non-cancer health effects: Some studies have suggested potential links between glyphosate exposure and non-cancer health effects, such as:
- Endocrine disruption: Glyphosate may interfere with the endocrine system, which regulates hormones in the body. Some studies have suggested that glyphosate might disrupt hormonal balance in animals, but the significance for human health remains uncertain.
- Reproductive and developmental effects: Some animal studies have indicated potential reproductive and developmental effects from glyphosate exposure. However, these findings are still debated, and more research is needed to prove its direct connection with the human reproductive system.
- Regulatory response: Regulatory agencies in various countries have reviewed the safety of glyphosate. In the United States, for example, the EPA has periodically reviewed glyphosate’s safety and generally found it safe when used as directed. Other countries, like Germany, have taken steps to limit or ban its use.
- Residue levels in food: Glyphosate residues can be found in some food products, primarily in crops genetically modified to tolerate the herbicide. However, regulatory agencies have established safety standards for glyphosate residues in food to ensure they do not pose a health risk to consumers.
Conclusion
The Roundup litigation is a complex and expansive legal battle playing out in courtrooms worldwide. The stakes are high as both sides seek to prove their case. The plaintiffs want compensation for their injuries while Bayer and Monsanto fight to avoid paying billions of dollars in damages. Given how long previous cases have taken, it seems unlikely that Roundup lawsuits will be resolved anytime soon.