Link Between Roundup™ and Cancer Upgraded
A new study by the University of Washington underscores the link between Roundup™ and cancer. The study emphasizes that exposure to Roundup™ increases the cancer risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma by 41 percent. The study used a large scale meta-analysis to look at the problem. This involves looking at all previous studies to formulate a conclusion. By doing this, the researchers found that the link between glyphosate and cancer was much higher than previously thought. The study was published in the journal Mutation Research in the February 1 issue. Let’s look at the new research and Bayer’s response to the analysis.
Results of the Meta-Analysis
The lead researcher at the University of Washington, L. Sheppard of the Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences and Biostatistics program at the university, said that the study has added support to the link of glyphosate and cancer. The study was geared toward answering the proposition that non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is associated with the use of Roundup™ and other glyphosate-based herbicides. All studies done between 2001 and 2018 were examined. In the end, the researchers found that the link between Roundup™ and cancer was 41 percent. Both human and animal studies were included in the University of Washington analysis. The 2018 study of 54,000 pesticide workers licensed to apply the chemical was included.
History of Glyphosate Use
The use of glyphosate began in 1974. The number of applications increased drastically as seeds that were resistant to glyphosate were sold by the chemical’s maker, Monsanto. The use of the seeds made it possible for farmers to apply the substance more often since the plant would not die because of exposure to Roundup™. In addition, the use of green-burndown in the 2000s, which is a method to increase the harvest of plants such as barley, wheat, and others, increased the amount of glyphosate residue on food.
In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IRAC), an arm of the World Health Organization (WHO), said that glyphosate was probably carcinogenic. In addition to evidence used to report this link between Roundup™ and cancer, other damage to humans was mentioned. The IARC report spotlighted DNA damage as a result of Roundup™ usage. In addition, blood markers that showed chromosomal damage in humans were found when the herbicide was used nearby.
Ways in Which Humans and Animals Are Exposed to Glyphosate
Although farmers and residential applicators of Roundup™ has been most studied, there are other exposure methods. For instance, groundskeepers, urban workers and those who work in forestry have been shown to have increased exposure. The herbicide is also in the air after spraying, and many people are exposed in the food they eat.
Number of Lawsuits Against Monsanto/Bayer Increasing
The link between Roundup™ and cancer has spurred the filing of lawsuits against Monsanto and its new owner Bayer. The number of Roundup™ lawsuits in 2017 was listed as 800. By 2019, that number has grown to thousands. One well-known case is that of a groundskeeper, Dwayne Johnson, who developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The jury in this case, awarded Johnson $289 million. Monsanto/Bayer appealed and the amount was reduced to $78 million.
Bayer’s Response to the University of Washington’s Study
The herbicide manufacturer, Monsanto/Bayer, denounced the University of Washington’s study that showed a proven statistical link between Roundup™ and cancer and said that it was a manipulation. The manufacturer stated that many studies done in the past indicated that the pesticide was safe for humans. Recent documentation found in the Monsanto papers showed that Monsanto relied on its own research published under a scientist’s name.
Roundup™ Cancer Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Roundup™ cancer lawyer. Facing physical disease is traumatic. Learning that it was caused by a consumer product just adds insult to injury. When someone in your family develops cancer after using Roundup™, you need the insight an experienced injury lawyer can provide. Reach out to me nationally at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 in the Sacramento area. You can also contact me online to learn whether you are eligible to file a lawsuit against Monsanto/Bayer.
I’ve won cases that resulted in settlements or verdicts over $1 million for a client, which is why I was offered membership in the nationwide forum of attorneys, the Million Dollar Advocates. I’ve also been received into the National Association of Distinguished Counsel as a Sacramento personal injury attorney who promotes legal excellence in their practice.
In the past 37 years, I have helped numerous individuals to obtain compensation in all types of traumatic accidents, wrongful deaths and brain injuries among others.
If you are thinking of retaining an attorney, take a look at their practice first. One of the best ways to do this is to look at client and peer reviews as well as how the attorney resolved other cases. You can learn about me on the following pages:
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