Controversy often surrounds Monsanto, the well-known agrochemical giant, particularly with regards to the safety of its products, including genetically modified (GM) seeds and RoundUp® herbicide. As more research questions the safety of these Monsanto products, numerous lawsuits are beginning to appear, not only in the United States but also around the world.
Monsanto tends to conduct its own research into the safety of its products and then denies any evidence from other studies that claims their products are unsafe. As an example, the Norwegian Genok Center for Biosafety recently disputed the research Monsanto conducted on RoundUp®-Ready GM soybeans for Brazil, stating the data was manipulated to favor a specific outcome.
The safety debate has increased since the World Health Organization (WHO) classified glyphosate, the primary ingredient in RoundUp®, as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Monsanto, of course, denied these allegations and still adamantly claims that glyphosate is safe for human exposure.
Farmers taking legal action
However, evidence has begun to surface with farmers from across the United States presenting evidence that their cancer diagnosis was caused by the use of RoundUp®.
For example, 58-year-old Enrique Rubio, a former farm worker in California, Texas, and Oregon, filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles after being diagnosed with bone cancer in 1995. Rubio’s main responsibility included spraying fields with RoundUp® and other herbicides. Another lawsuit was filed in New York by Judy Fitzgerald, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2012 after being exposed to RoundUp® while working at a horticulture company during the 1990s. Many more people are expected to come forward and file lawsuits thanks to the widespread use of RoundUp®, with recent statements from WHO supporting concerns about glyphosate.
Monsanto accused of not warning users of risks
Fitzgerald’s suit argues RoundUp® is a “defective” product and “unreasonably dangerous” to consumers, and that Monsanto knew or should have known glyphosate could cause cancer and other illnesses and injuries. Monsanto is accused of failing to properly warn users of the risks.
In 2012, 50-year-old Paul Francois won a lawsuit against Monsanto for poisonous exposure to one of their chemical herbicides. The victim experienced neurological damage after inhaling Monsanto’s Lasso weed killer in 2004. This lawsuit also claims the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) changed its initial statement that glyphosate is “possibly carcinogenic to humans” to “evidence of non-carcinogenicity in humans” after being pressured by Monsanto.
This raises further questions and concerns surrounding the influence Monsanto may have on the EPA, an organization tasked with protecting both environmental and human health. Perhaps even more disturbing is the EPA changing its position to the complete opposite of its original stance if the claims are true.
The search for definitive answers
While Monsanto spokeswoman Charla Lord disputes the claims, insisting that glyphosate is safe for humans when used according to the label, the search for definitive truth about the safety of such products is more crucial than ever. Many more lives are potentially at risk due to products like RoundUp® because of Monsanto’s attempts to suppress scientific research.
For now, individuals and families can educate themselves on the potential dangers of glyphosate exposure, follow discussions and research on glyphosate safety, and consider alternatives for weed control. The National Pesticide Information Center and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences are two valuable resources to explore for further information.
