If you are a gardener, chances are good that Roundup has been part of your arsenal at some point. This versatile weedkiller is often recommended by both gardeners and landscapers alike.
Roundup was first introduced by Monsanto in 1974, and in 2018 Bayer completed their acquisition for $63 billion. Although Roundup has been widely used since 1974, recent studies have demonstrated its safety for human use; indeed it is banned or strictly regulated in 30 countries around the world. Continue reading to gain further insight into its possible side-effects.
Why Is Roundup Weedkiller Considered Harmful? Roundup is one of the most widely-used weedkillers, available from your local hardware store and often used to clear away aquatic weeds without harming surrounding flora or fauna. It’s often recommended for killing aquatic weeds without harming adjacent aquatic environments like ponds and drains, since its broad spectrum kills all forms of vegetation without negatively affecting soil or plants nearby.
Glyphosate, the active ingredient found in Roundup, has long been suspected as being carcinogenic by various studies. A review conducted by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information has provided ample evidence that links glyphosate with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Glyphosate side effects include lung issues, seizures and dizziness; several studies have also suggested Roundup may cause birth defects if used during gestation.
Do You Suffer From Roundup Related Health Problems? If you believe Roundup was responsible for any adverse health reactions in your life, utilize reliable online resources to gain more information on the Roundup Lawsuit. Bayer acquired Roundup from Monsanto in 2018 and since then have already paid billions in damages to people who developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after using Roundup.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma symptoms include swelling of lymph nodes, sudden weight loss, chest and bone pain, headaches and vomiting according to Healthline. If your health problems can be linked with using weedkillers containing glyphosate herbicides, damages may be available against their manufacturers.
Herbicides containing glyphosate are used widely throughout the US and are applied to about 50% of soybean and corn crops grown here, according to NBC News. Use is particularly high in the Midwest and parts of the South region.
Due to glyphosate’s widespread usage in agriculture, it is likely many individuals involved may already be exposed to its toxic chemical. Run-off from fields can introduce this toxic compound directly into food chains. Exposure typically occurs through touching, eating or drinking products containing residues of this herbicide as well as inhaling mists containing it or spraying any herbicide containing glyphosate herbicide.
Diseases from Long Term Exposure to Weedkillers
Below are five diseases caused by long term exposure to Roundup and other weedkillers such as Atrazine; gardeners or farmers should know this before purchasing or using these products.
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, has long been suspected to cause cancer, making it an established carcinogen.
In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) identified glyphosate as a possible carcinogen and concluded it can lead to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma cancers.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also states that glyphosate could potentially be carcinogenic.
Lung Problems
When using weed killers, fumes and dust are inhaled into your system which may irritate and even lead to lung problems. For your own protection and to avoid inhaling these fumes, wear protective gear on your face in order to minimize inhalation of these fumes.
Seizures and Dizziness
Seizures can be caused by irregular electrical activity inside of your brain that triggers neurons to misfire rapidly throughout your body at once, sending signals all at once that can result in abnormal movements such as shaking arms or legs uncontrollably or facial twitches, as well as muscle control over things such as breathing patterns becoming weak or nonexistent and eventually leading to unconsciousness if untreated for too long.
Dizziness manifests itself with headaches, nausea, blurred or double vision and problems with balance.
Birth Defects
In 2015, California state officials concluded that Roundup was linked with birth defects. According to Pesticide Action Network (PAN), Roundup contains glyphosate which has been linked with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, endocrine disruption, and DNA damage as a result.
PAN published a study in Environmental Pollution which provided evidence of Roundup’s ability to cause malformations in frog embryos at doses far below what regulators allow. Researchers showed how Glyphosate, one of the components found in Roundup, can cause these defects at concentrations that fall well within what regulators consider safe levels for humans.
Protect Yourself There are certain steps we can take to shield ourselves from the dangers associated with Roundup and other pesticides.
Avoid using chemical weedkillers whenever possible in your garden and lawn; consider natural alternatives instead.
If you do need to use pesticides, make sure they’re marked as “safe for children.” Don’t just trust it’s harmless because it appears non-harmful on its own.
Always wear protective gear when handling potentially hazardous chemicals, and consult an expert before taking any steps yourself.