Roundup, one of the most widely used herbicides in the world, is a common sight in gardens, farms, and public spaces across Hawai‘i and beyond. So many people wonder: Is Roundup safe?
Is Roundup Safe?
Roundup’s primary ingredient, glyphosate, has been the subject of growing concern and numerous high-profile lawsuits. For decades, many have questioned the safety of Roundup. Its manufacturer, Monsanto (now owned by Bayer), has consistently argued that the product is harmless when used as directed. However, a growing body of scientific evidence and a series of court verdicts suggest a different story.
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Roundup Safety: Glyphosate and the Link to Cancer
The most well-known and litigated health risk associated with Roundup is its connection to cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In 2015, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) made a landmark decision regarding Roundup safety, classifying glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans.”
This classification was supported by numerous studies, including a 2019 analysis from the University of Washington that found exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides increases the risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma by 41 percent.
These scientific findings have been central to thousands of lawsuits filed against Bayer Juries across the United States have consistently sided with plaintiffs who claim their cancer was caused by exposure to Roundup. Some of the most notable recent Roundup verdicts include:
- A Georgia jury recently ordered Bayer to pay nearly $2.1 billion to a man who developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after using the product.
- An appellate court in Missouri upheld a $611 million verdict awarded to three people who alleged Roundup was responsible for their cancer.
These cases highlight the serious legal and health challenges facing the company, with Bayer currently confronting approximately 181,000 Roundup cancer claims nationwide.
How Dangerous is Roundup?
Given Roundup’s links to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, many worry, “How dangerous is Roundup?” The herbicide glyphosate has been linked to many health problems, making Roundup safety practices critical.
Health Problems Linked to Roundup
- Cancer: A recent study in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology found that glyphosate-based Roundup had toxic effects on different breast cell types and altered key breast cancer-related genes. In another study, researchers found “strong evidence” for five key characteristics of carcinogenicity after evaluating glyphosate for 10 key characteristics of cancer hazard identification.
- Birth defects and reproductive concerns: According to research published in the journal Reproductive Sciences, glyphosate disrupts female hormones and damages the ovaries and uterus in ways that can make it more difficult for women to become pregnant. The study also connected glyphosate to polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis, both leading causes of infertility.
- Neurological and neurobehavioral disorders: Studies have linked glyphosate to neurological disorders. One study that looked at gestational exposure to glyphosate concluded that this early exposure is associated with “adverse early neurodevelopment.” Another study by researchers at the University of Arizona determined that glyphosate has a lasting impact on brain health, with exposure in mice shown to cause significant brain inflammation, as well as accelerated Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology.
Holding Monsanto Accountable for Roundup Weedkiller Exposure
Our experienced Roundup weedkiller attorneys represent Hawai‘i individuals who have developed cancer—especially non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma—after using Monsanto’s Roundup weedkiller. With decades of experience battling chemical manufacturers, our Hawai‘i Roundup law firm aggressively pursues justice for workers, farmers, and homeowners harmed by toxic herbicides. If you or a loved one was exposed to Monsanto’s Roundup weedkiller and diagnosed with cancer, we can help.
