Does Monsanto Say RoundUp Causes Cancer?

A lawsuits has been filed by Monsanto Roundup cancer attorneys on behalf of a group of people who have each been diagnosed with cancer from what they say is the result of exposure to the glyphosate weed killer. But where many of the other lawsuits filed against RoundUp maker Monsanto have alleged a failure to warn of the increased risks of cancer, this class action lawsuit poses questions of fact regarding the manufacturer’s attempts to avoid any connection between the herbicide and cancer. In fact, the lawsuit accuses the product maker of publishing misleading research to dissuade consumers and workers from associating the product with increased risks of cancer.

Allegations Include Faulty Data and EPA Influence

The lawsuit accuses Monsanto of doing anything it could to avoid RoundUp being linked with negative information that could influence sales of the product and result in a decrease in profits. In fact, according to court documents the company used falsified data from questionable research studies to support their safety claims. Allegations have also been made that Monsanto influenced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reject the association between RoundUp exposure and cancer.

Because of these allegations, Monsanto was ordered by a federal court to produce internal documents, including email communications and memos, some that were previously sealed. The information in these documents led to further concerns about research used by the company to determine product safety.

Yet, in response to these concerns, the company filed a lawsuit in an attempt to block California from adding the active ingredient in RoundUp to the list of known carcinogens. The state added glyphosate to the carcinogen list in March 2017, becoming the first state in the country to do so.

Concentration Counts

Studies have been conducted that examine how the drug interacts in the human body. Some of these studies indicate the chemical may cause DNA mutations that lead to cancer. Other studies suggest that it may destroy the enzymes that foster the immune system. Still, other studies suggest that concentration levels of the product may be an important factor also.

Not all RoundUp products contain the same levels of chemical concentration. RoundUp Pro is about 50 percent glyphosate concentrate. This is important to understand because the people who use products with higher concentrations may be even more likely to develop cancer. For example, a research group in Sweden published a study that acknowledged the risks of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in glyphosate users and found that professional users, such as those who work on farms, in landscaping, and at gardening centers, had higher rates of cancer than general users. The study also found that professionals who worked as little as eight years in the industry had double the risk of developing cancer than the general public.

Some of the more common symptoms of RoundUp-related cancers such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include:

• swollen lymph nodes
• breathing difficulties
• unexplained weight loss
• bruising easily
• abdominal swelling
• pain in the stomach or chest
• bone or joint pain
• unexplained nosebleeds

Anyone who exhibits these symptoms after RoundUp exposure should seek medical treatment immediately. Then contact an attorney to determine if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.