Roundup Lawsuit
The Roundup lawsuit involves thousands of claims against Bayer (which acquired Monsanto) alleging that exposure to the weed killer Roundup, which contains the herbicide glyphosate, causes cancer—most notably non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Plaintiffs argue that Monsanto failed to warn users about the cancer risk and that the company misled the public about the product’s safety. Some jury verdicts have awarded large damages to plaintiffs, though Bayer continues to maintain that glyphosate is safe when used as directed.
Litigation has led to billions in settlements, and new lawsuits continue to be filed, especially by agricultural workers, landscapers, and home gardeners who had long-term exposure.
Scientific Studies and Medical Findings
1. Glyphosate and Cancer Risk
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International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) – In 2015, IARC, part of the World Health Organization, classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A), based on limited evidence in humans and sufficient evidence in animals.
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Key association: Increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) in individuals with significant, prolonged glyphosate exposure.
2. U.S. Regulatory Position
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EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) – The EPA has repeatedly stated that glyphosate is “not likely to be carcinogenic to humans” at typical exposure levels, but critics argue this conclusion relies heavily on industry-funded studies.
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NIH Agricultural Health Study (AHS) – A large U.S. cohort study did not find a statistically significant link between glyphosate and NHL overall, but some sub-analyses and pooled data suggest a possible association in high-exposure groups.
3. Epidemiological Findings
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Multiple case-control studies (particularly from Sweden, Canada, and the U.S.) have found that people exposed to glyphosate for many years have about a 40–50% increased risk of developing NHL compared to non-exposed individuals.
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Meta-analysis (2019) – Researchers from the University of Washington reported a 41% increased risk of NHL in the highest exposure groups.
scrutiny of talc-based products around the world.
4. Biological Mechanism Evidence
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Oxidative Stress: Glyphosate may induce oxidative stress, which can damage DNA and promote cancer development.
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Endocrine Disruption: Some studies suggest glyphosate can disrupt hormonal balance, potentially contributing to tumor growth.
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Genotoxicity: Evidence from laboratory studies shows glyphosate can cause DNA damage in human cells under certain conditions.
5. Controversy
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Conflicting results between independent academic research and industry-sponsored studies have fueled the debate.
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The lawsuits often hinge on whether Monsanto failed to adequately warn about these potential risks despite knowing of possible links for decades.