Bayer May Consider Removing Glyphosate from Certain Roundup Weed Killer Products
In an effort to minimize its legal liability in future Roundup cancer claims, Bayer has indicated that it may consider removing glyphosate as the active ingredient in certain versions of the weed killer sold in the United States. The decision comes after the federal judge overseeing the nationwide Roundup litigation denied a settlement proposed by Bayer, which would have applied to future claims brought by Roundup users who have not yet been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). If you or someone you love developed NHL after exposure to glyphosate in Roundup weed killer, contact us today to find out how we can help. You may have grounds to file a Roundup cancer lawsuit against Bayer and Monsanto, in order to pursue the compensation you deserve for the harm you have suffered. An experienced Roundup cancer attorney can ensure that you understand your legal options and guide you towards the best possible resolution based on your individual situation.
Link Between Glyphosate and Cancer
Roundup is one of the world’s most widely used herbicides, applied to control weeds in residential areas and in large-scale farming or agricultural operations. Since it was first introduced in 1974, 1.8 million tons of Roundup has been sprayed on farms, fields, orchards, and backyard gardens in the U.S. alone. Worldwide, that number stands at 9.4 million tons. The trouble with Roundup is tied to the weed killer’s active ingredient, glyphosate, a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide and crop desiccant. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans,” which sparked concerns about the potential for Roundup to cause non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other cancers in residential and commercial users. There are thousands of Roundup cancer claims pending in state and federal courts across the country, all of which involve similar allegations that Monsanto, the original manufacturer of Roundup, failed to properly warn consumers about the potential cancer risk associated with Roundup exposure. Bayer acquired Monsanto in 2018 for $63 billion, and with it, inherited the company’s ongoing Roundup cancer litigation.
Federal Judge Calls Roundup Settlement “Clearly Unreasonable”
Last year, in an effort to end its future liability associated with Roundup, Bayer proposed a multibillion-dollar class settlement to resolve claims alleging that Roundup causes cancer. In addition to settling cases already filed by former Roundup users diagnosed with NHL, the settlement, if approved, would have also set aside $2 billion to resolve future claims that may arise over the next several years, involving Roundup users who have not yet been diagnosed with cancer. In May, the judge overseeing the federal Roundup litigation, U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria, rejected the proposed settlement, calling an agreement that would limit the right of potential claimants not yet diagnosed with cancer to pursue claims against Bayer in the future “clearly unreasonable.”
What Would a “Silent” Roundup Recall Look Like?
In the weeks that have passed since its Roundup settlement was rejected, Bayer has floated several possible solutions for finally wrapping up the litigation associated with the widely used weed killer, including removing glyphosate from residential Roundup products sold in the U.S. An estimated 90% of Roundup cancer claims have come from residential users diagnosed with NHL after applying Roundup around their homes, and Bayer could potentially reduce its legal risks by changing the ingredient for residential uses. If Bayer does go through with the removal of glyphosate from its household products, which would be a huge step forward in terms of consumer safety, the move would be considered a “silent” Roundup recall. “There will be no product recall,” says Liam Condon, head of Bayer’s crop-science unit. “What we’re discussing with our partners is the future of the active ingredient, that’s all.” In fact, Bayer has already ruled out removing glyphosate from professional and agricultural products, claiming that there are no alternative options.
Contact an Experienced Roundup Cancer Attorney for Help
While removing glyphosate from Roundup would serve to protect Bayer against many future claims alleging that Bayer and its Monsanto subsidiary failed to warn about the health risks associated with glyphosate, the company would still face years of litigation as consumers who used the weed killer during the decades it has been on the market without cancer warnings continue to develop cancer. If you were exposed to Roundup weed killer at home or on the job, and you have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or another type of cancer, do not hesitate to seek legal help from a qualified Roundup cancer lawyer. You may be eligible to file a Roundup lawsuit against Bayer, which could help you recover damages for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses.
