Illinois Roundup Injury Attorney

Chicago Toxic Substance Injury Attorney for Health Issues Caused by Herbicide Exposure

The use of chemical herbicides is widespread in the agricultural industry. These chemicals are sprayed on farms to kill weeds, and they may also be used in nurseries or for landscaping purposes. Roundup is one of the most popular herbicides, and it is widely used throughout the United States. However, some of the chemicals in this weed-killer have been found to be harmful, and people who are regularly exposed to these substances may contract non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a dangerous form of cancer. Because of this, thousands of people have filed lawsuits against Monsanto, the manufacturer of Roundup, and those who have suffered injuries may be able to receive compensation for their damages.

People who have been affected by Roundup exposure will need to understand their options for taking legal action to address their injuries and damages. Plaintiffs in many lawsuits have alleged that Monsanto and its parent company Bayer were aware of the risks of Roundup, but they have continued to make this product available to consumers while downplaying its potential negative effects. Since a large number of people have been affected, multiple plaintiffs may be able to pursue mass torts, and victims who have suffered harm may be able to receive settlements compensating them for their injuries. Newland & Newland, LLP works with people who have been exposed to Roundup to help them determine their best options for pursuing compensation.

Injuries Caused by Roundup Exposure

Agricultural workers are most likely to experience health issues related to Roundup, since they may have been exposed to this chemical on a regular basis. Landscapers and nursery employees who regularly use weed-killers are also likely to suffer harm due to Roundup exposure. Workers may be affected after inhaling droplets of pesticide or absorbing chemicals into their skin. Other people may also be affected, residents of homes located near farms or nurseries, people who use Roundup in home gardens, or children who use outdoor sports fields that have been treated with Roundup.

The active chemical in Roundup that kills weeds is known as glyphosate, and regular exposure to this chemical may cause cancer. The most common form of cancer linked to glyphosate is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which may affect the lymphatic system, leading to the abnormal development of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and the formation of tumors throughout the body. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may initially affect one or more parts of the lymphatic system, such as the lymph nodes, lymph vessels, bone marrow, spleen, or tonsils. If left untreated, it may spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to form in organs such as the liver, stomach, intestines, lungs, skin, eyes, or brain. While non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is treatable, forms of treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy can have serious side effects that may impact a person's overall well-being.

Roundup FAQs

How Does Roundup Kill Weeds?

Roundup contains the chemical glyphosate, which attacks an enzyme known as EPSP synthase. This stops plants from producing proteins that are necessary for growth, and it will cause plants to die within a few days. Roundup works on most types of plants, meaning that it may not only kill weeds, but also crops, grass, and flowers. To address this issue, Monsanto, the maker of Roundup, has created genetically-modified crops that are resistant to the herbicide. This allows Roundup to be sprayed on farms in large quantities, killing weeds without affecting "good" plants.

How Does Roundup Affect People?

While Roundup's manufacturer claims that the chemical is not harmful to humans, some studies have indicated otherwise. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reviewed scientific evidence and came to the conclusion that glyphosate is likely to cause cancer, and as a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the chemical in group 2A, the second most dangerous classification, stating that the substance is "probably carcinogenic to humans."

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) came to the opposite conclusion in a 2016 study, and it has stated that there was no convincing evidence that glyphosate causes cancer in humans or presents a concern to human health. However, these findings were based on unpublished studies commissioned by chemical manufacturers, while the IARC looked at peer-reviewed studies. The EPA limited its study to dietary exposure that affected people due to the use of Roundup on food crops, without considering other ways that people could be affected, including the higher risk of exposure for agricultural workers.

How Can People Be Exposed to Roundup?

People who work with Roundup on a regular basis are most likely to be affected by exposure. Because they are in an environment where Roundup is sprayed on crops or other plants, they may inhale droplets of the chemical that are in the air or absorb the chemical through their skin. However, these forms of exposure may affect others as well, such as people who live near farms where Roundup is sprayed on crops or people who use fields, gardens, golf courses, or other public areas where herbicides have been applied.

People may also be at risk of exposure to Roundup that has entered the environment in other ways. After being sprayed on crops or other plants, Roundup may seep into the soil and enter the water supply. Because of its wide use, Roundup residue may be present in multiple types of food products, potentially putting people at risk due to the ingestion of this chemical.

Contact Our Illinois Roundup Exposure Lawyer

Whether you are an agricultural worker who has used Roundup professionally or a person who has been exposed to potentially harmful weed-killers in other situations, Newland & Newland, LLP can help you understand your options for addressing injuries that you have experienced. We will advise you of the best steps to take to pursue compensation for health issues related to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma caused by toxic chemical exposure. To get the legal help you need, contact our office at 847-797-8000 to schedule your free consultation today.