In 2015, after close to a year of review, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)—a branch of the World Health Organization—labeled glyphosate a “probable human carcinogen.”

Soon after this action, the state of California’s Office of Environmental Hazard took the helm and decided to list the chemical—the key ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide—under the state’s Proposition 65. This proposition requires products that cause cancer, reproductive damage, or birth defects in infants to be clearly labeled as dangerous.

Additionally, Proposition 65 disallows any chemical listed to be released into any potential drinking water supply. According to Beyond Pesticides, the listing of glyphosate didn’t actually occur until the summer of 2017, but alleged Roundup cancer risk was immediately challenged by the herbicide’s manufacturer in court with a lawsuit.

Monsanto supposedly made a claim in this lawsuit that the state was giving inordinate power to IARC to affect the state’s laws as a foreign entity. In actuality, 25 nations including the U.S. participate in a governing council over IARC. In a decision made on April 19, 2018, the appellate court affirmed the agency’s global scientific reputation and supported OEH’s response to Roundup cancer risk.

Following this legal decision, Roundup and other glyphosate-containing products will now be listed as part of Proposition 65. Consumers will be given notification and label warnings regarding Roundup cancer risk and other potential dangers so they can make informed decisions.

Reportedly, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is still at odds with IARC’s assessment of Roundup cancer risk and the cancer risk posed by other glyphosate-containing products. According to Beyond Pesticides, the EPA made a declaration in opposition stating that the chemical is “not likely carcinogenic” to humans in December 2017.

The EPA has been accused of depending upon studies done by manufacturers of glyphosate products, such as Monsanto, which have a vested interest in product promotion. Some have even accused the environmental oversight agency from ignoring its own standards for evaluating Roundup cancer risk and its general toxicity.

What are the Alleged Risks of Roundup Herbicide?

The most common type of cancer linked to glyphosate is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Other types of cancer connected to this chemical have been B-cell lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma, bone, kidney, and pancreatic. The chemical has also been accused of causing chromosomal and DNA damage.

Monsanto has been subject to several lawsuits in recent years by plaintiffs that have contracted cancers believed to be related to use of Roundup. The company has been accused of failing to warn consumers and suppressing scientific data. They have also been accused in lawsuits of undertaking deceptive marketing campaigns that proclaim the products essential safety to birds and other wildlife.

If you or a loved one have used Roundup for several years and were later diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or another cancer, you may have a legal claim.

If you or a loved one developed cancer after using Roundup as a farm worker or home gardener, you may have a legal claim. Legal migrant farm workers may also seek help. Learn more by filling out the form on this page for a FREE case evaluation.

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