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Introduction

Glyphosate has attained widespread use in modern agriculture, bringing commercial success. Using it at a high level in the agricultural sector may cause the potential risk of cancer, especially non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This blog article sheds light on the potential link between glyphosate and cancer, and also analyzes several relevant reports released by the World Health Organization agencies. 

What Is Glyphosate?

Glyphosate is used as the main active ingredient in many herbicides or weed killers. It has been registered as a pesticide in the U.S. since 1974. This nonselective herbicide stops the formation of specific types of protein that enable plants to grow. Glyphosate is used as the active ingredient in many versions of Roundup. This ingredient helps the herbicide to stick to the plants and be absorbed in the roots. 

Is glyphosate harmful to humans?

Glyphosate, a massively used herbicide, may be responsible for harm to human health. Several regulatory bodies, such as the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), say that glyphosate does not seem to be carcinogenic to human health.  On the contrary, some other studies state that there is a potential link between glyphosate and cancer. 

Potential health issues;

• Cancer: the study of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has revealed that glyphosate is “probably carcinogenic to humans”. Based on some research on some people. 
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: According to some meta analysis, Hodgkin lymphoma may be associated with glyphosate exposure. 

Glyphosate Herbicide Uses

Glyphosate is used for several purposes in home gardens or in large agricultural fields. Farmers use them during food production. It has been used on:

• Vegetables, crops, and fruits
• Glyphosate-resistant crops such as corn, cotton, soybeans, canola, sugar beets, etc.

The crops on which glyphosate has been used in high amounts are the modified corn, cotton, and soybeans. 

Glyphosate Exposure

Glyphosate causes cancer, is not proven, and may affect you in many ways, such as:

• Residential Exposure

It is harmful to use glyphosate at home, as you can be exposed to it by breathing in the particles while spraying it on the plants. You can also get it on your skin or eyes while using it. You must wash your hands after applying it, or you may be exposed to it at the time of eating or smoking. 

• Occupational exposure

If you engage in the agricultural sector and you have to use products containing glyphosate regularly, there is a massive chance of exposure. After several studies of farmers, it has been found that glyphosate levels are high in the urine of farmers who work in agricultural fields and use glyphosate without wearing gloves. 

According to the report of the University of Washington, glyphosate may increase the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma by up to 41% after researching on 54000 people who apply pesticides in the agricultural fields. 

• Glyphosate exposure in your food

Glyphosate is usually applied to GMO crops such as soybeans and corn that can withstand this pesticide. It also applies to non-GMO crops like oats, barley to dry the crops so that they can harvest crops sooner. Many studies show that glyphosate levels are high in many food items, such as honey, grains like bread, cereals, oats, wheat snacks, fruits like raisins, pears, blackberries, limes, walnuts, vegetables like potatoes, peas, dried lentils, and nuts, as well as in meat and fish. 

What does the research say about glyphosate and cancer?

Glyphosate is used as the key ingredient in many weedkillers. There is no proper evidence that applying pesticides at low amounts can increase the risk of cancer.

 Pesticides are being assessed before approval for safety. Glyphosate is an approved ingredient and follows the instructions for use. Some studies show that there is a potential risk of cancer from this ingredient. This study was based on the use of farmers who used it at a higher level in agricultural fields. 

Though we have not got strong evidence, it can still be assumed that Glyphosate causes cancer, as per some studies.  According to the study of the world’s health agencies:

• In 2019, the researchers of the University of Washington declared that glyphosate increases the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma by 41%. 

U.S.EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) says that “no evidence that glyphosate causes cancer in humans”.

• The European Food Safety Authority says “did not identify any critical areas of concern in its peer review of the risk assessment” of glyphosate. 

• The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority says glyphosate products “are considered safe to use when the instructions on the label are followed”.

• The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organisation declares that Glyphosate is “carcinogenic to humans”. According to the report, hundreds of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma began suing the manufacturers of glyphosate herbicides after the announcement of the IARC. 

• The manufacturer companies of herbicides were in support of their products while agreeing to settlements of current and future lawsuits. As per the report of CNN, in June 2020, Bayer, which acquired Monsanto in the year 2018, had settled the majority of current as well as future lawsuits for more than $10.  

In the settlement, the chief executive officer of Bayer stated that “the extensive body of science indicates that [glyphosate-based herbicide] Roundup does not cause cancer, and therefore, is not responsible for the illnesses alleged in this litigation. We stand strongly behind our glyphosate-based herbicides, which are among the most rigorously studied products of their kind, and four decades of science support their safety and that they’re not carcinogenic.” 

In May 2012, the federal judge in San Francisco rejected a $2 billion plan for the settlement of future claims. 

• Researchers have concluded that a ‘compelling link’ focusing on data regarding the people with the “highest exposure” to the herbicide. They reveal that there is a potential risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Lianne Sheppard, the professor in biostatistics and environmental studies, states that she was “convinced” of the carcinogenic properties of the chemical. 

How to reduce Glyphosate exposure

Alternatives for weed removal need to be applied in place of harmful chemicals. 

Several alternatives have been suggested by the professionals at North Carolina State University. The alternative ways are as follows,

• Manual removal of the weeds may be expensive and labour-intensive, but it is a safe way. Weeds may be removed before establishing strong roots. 

• Flame weeding can be a better solution to avoid the risk of harmful pesticides. 

In the presence of flammable material, you can apply the “hot-foam weeding” process. In this process, pressurised steam or hot water is used with a foaming agent. 

• You should use protective cloths such as gloves, masks while using glyphosate. 
• Don’t let the spray blow on your eyes or skin.
• Buy organic fruits and vegetables.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Keep children away from glyphosate products.

If you are such a victim of a harmful product and in search of justice, then you can contact us, Legal Claim Counsel, we’re a trusted Roundup lawsuit Attorney in California, today to raise your voice through us. We aim to suggest the best way to get the justice that you deserve. Our team blends experience, expertise, and knowledge; will fight for your compensation from the negligent manufacturers and corporations. 

Contact us today to raise your voice for justice. 

Conclusion

Glyphosate is a widely used chemical in herbicides to kill weeds. Excess use of glyphosate may cause cancer. Though a direct relation between glyphosate and cancer is not proven yet, still using it at high amounts is harmful to health. Complete information about glyphosate and its uses, effects, and potential risks has been provided here. Contacting a reputable law firm to ensure compensation from the manufacturers will be beneficial.