Despite Monsanto’s claims that its popular weed killer, Roundup®, is safe, two separate juries found the company liable for causing cancer in two men. In August 2018, a state jury ordered Monsanto to pay a California groundskeeper $289 million, an amount a judge later reduced to $78 million. Then, in March 2019, a federal jury in San Francisco awarded a second plaintiff $80 million.
Monsanto, and its parent company Bayer, said in a statement that it was disappointed by the jury’s decision, and continued to defend the safety of its product. The company said it acted responsibly in the manufacturing and distribution of Roundup®.
Glyphosate’s Links to Cancer
The main ingredient in the weed killer is an herbicide called glyphosate, which Monsanto first began using in the 1970s. The health risks associated with glyphosate have been debated. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), asserts that it is not a carcinogen. However, in 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reported that it could cause cancer. During proceedings in the 2019 trial against Monsanto, the prosecution presented evidence demonstrating that the herbicide could mutate human cells and lead to a cancer diagnosis.
Studies have shown that individuals who have had constant exposure to Roundup®, such as farmers, farmworkers, landscapers, and gardeners, are at an increased risk of developing cancer.
Glyphosate has been linked to the following types of cancers:
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Multiple myeloma
- B-cell lymphoma
Monsanto Faces More Lawsuits
Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Monsanto, alleging that the company knew about the health risks associated with Roundup® but failed to provide adequate health warnings.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Edwards & Culver
If you were exposed to the weed killer – either by getting it on your skin, eating food treated with it, or breathing it in – and you developed cancer, you may be able to pursue a lawsuit to recover compensation for damages. Our skilled attorneys at Edwards & Culver are currently reviewing cases involving harm caused by Roundup®. We will thoroughly discuss your case with you to understand your circumstances and talk about your legal options.
Call us at (406) 215-4735 or contact us online to speak with one of our attorneys.