The Roundup cancer risk also threatens children, according to a lawsuit against the controversial pesticide’s manufacturers, Monsanto and Bayer.

Twelve-year-old Jake B. allegedly developed cancer after being exposed to Roundup. According to Jake’s lawyers, the child was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma and is in remission after undergoing chemotherapy.

B-cell lymphoma is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, accounting for some 85 percent of non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients. The disease involves cancerous cells in the immune system. Symptoms, according to Healthline, may include swollen lymph nodes, abdominal swelling, chest pain, coughing, breathing difficulties, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue.

Jake’s lawyers have asked the California Superior Court to set the trial  by the end of the year. Monsanto objected, arguing that the company needs additionasl time to prepare a defense “given the unusual scientific issues of surrounding alleged causation of cancer in a child.” If Jake’s case goes to a jury trial, it would likely be the first Roundup cancer risk trial with a child plaintiff.

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup weed killer, has reportedly been shown to cause cancer, specifically non-Hodgkin lymphoma. CNN reported on a University of Washington study that found exposure to glyphosate may increase the risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma by 41 percent.

“All of the meta-analyses conducted to date, including our own, consistently report the same key finding: exposure to GBHs (glyphosate-based herbicides) are associated with an increased risk of NHL,” researchers wrote in their study.

Although glyphosate is associated with an increased risk of cancer, researchers remain divided on whether or not to declare glyphosate a carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the United Nation’s World Health Organization, has said glyphosate is “probably carcinogenic to humans.” However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) disagrees and has argued that  the chemical is likely not carcinogenic to humans.

Amid uncertain opinions and mounting scientific evidence about Roundup cancer risk, consumers have filed lawsuits against Monsanto and its parent company, Bayer, for allegedly selling a dangerous product. Roundup lawsuits have been filed nationwide, with several successful trials occurring in California. Last year, a jury awarded $289 million to a California groundskeeper who claimed his terminal non-Hodgkin lymphoma was the result of exposure to Roundup. The judgment, reduced to $78 million, is being appealed.

In March, a jury awarded $80 million in damages to be paid to another man who blamedRoundup for his non-Hodgkin lymphoma. And in May, Monsanto was ordered to pay more than $2 billion to a couple who both developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma after exposure to Roundup.

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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