Roundup is one of the most prevalent chemical herbicides used on farms, lawns, and gardens in the United States. While the herbicide is effective in killing weeds, recent studies have linked the weed killer to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease and other health complications.
The allegations have forced the federal government to tighten regulations on the use of Roundup in the country. Even though strict regulations have been put in place to help curb the widespread use of Roundup, there are still many areas in the U.S where it is unregulated.
While herbicide may be an effective weed killer, it can be extremely dangerous since one of its key ingredients is glyphosate which is linked to Parkinson’s disease. This guide covers everything you need to know about Roundup Parkinson’s lawsuit.
Is There Paraquat in Roundup?
The truth is that Roundup doesn’t contain paraquat, and paraquat doesn’t contain Roundup. However, both herbicides are quite similar in popularity among farmers and farm workers.
Glyphosate is the primary active ingredient in Roundup. This is the chemical compound responsible for killing weeds. The herbicide’s label states that the active chemical ingredient is glyphosate, N-(phosphonomenthyl) glycine.
Glyphosate is a substituted amino acid that stops amino acid production by inhibiting the enzyme EPSPS (enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase). This chemical reaction is essential to the synthesis of three aromatic amino acids: tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. All of them are used in protein synthesis.
Paraquat, on the other hand, is a quaternary ammonium salt. This type of herbicide works by causing respiratory failure in plants. It does this by inhibiting the production of mitochondrial enzymes needed for respiration.
Paraquat is just as dangerous to humans as it is to plants. The EPA has classified paraquat as a Restricted Use Pesticide, meaning it can only be used by certified applicators.
Paraquat has been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease, and the EPA is currently investigating this potential health hazard.
What Are the Dangers of Glyphosate?
Like paraquat, glyphosate poses a wide range of health risks to human beings. For instance, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen.
Exposure to glyphosate has been linked to an increased risk of various types of cancer, including:
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Thyroid cancer
Non-cancerous health effects of glyphosate exposure include:
- Skin irritation
- Eye irritation
- Respiratory problems
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Nervous system problems
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Fetal damage and birth defects
- Endocrine disruption
In addition to the risks posed by glyphosate, Roundup also contains other harmful chemicals that can amplify the herbicide’s toxicity. These so-called inert ingredients include:
- Alkylphenols
- Ethoxylated tallow amine surfactants
- Proprietary polyethoxylated adjuvants
Many of these chemicals are endocrine disruptors that can interfere with hormone function. Additionally, some of these chemicals are classified as possible human carcinogens.
Who Is at Risk?
Roundup exposure can negatively affect any person who works with the herbicide regularly. This includes farmers, agricultural workers, landscapers, groundskeepers, and gardeners.
People who live near farms or agricultural areas where Roundup is used may also be at risk of exposure. This is because glyphosate can drift through the air and contaminate nearby properties.
Additionally, people who eat non-organic foods may be exposed to glyphosate since the herbicide is commonly used on crops like wheat, soybeans, and corn.
How Can I Protect Myself?
If you work with Roundup or other glyphosate-based herbicides, it’s essential to take steps to protect yourself from exposure. This includes wearing gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when handling the herbicide.
You should also avoid working in areas where Roundup has been sprayed within the past 48 hours. If you must enter a treated area, wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling glyphosate particles.
If you’re concerned about the risks posed by glyphosate exposure, you may want to consider eating organic foods. This is the best way to avoid exposure to the herbicide, as organic foods are not treated with glyphosate.
Is Paraquat Still Allowed in the United States?
Despite the chilling allegations of health risks associated with paraquat, the use of the popular weed killer is still allowed in the U.S.
Currently, the herbicide is classified as a “Registered Use” product by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. It means that those applying the weed killer must be adequately trained and fully licensed.
However, many national and international human rights organizations maintain that the weed killer causes serious health complications and must be banned completely.
Paraquat is banned in over 30 countries worldwide, including China, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. China is the leading manufacturer of paraquat, but the chemical produced isn’t used locally but exported to other countries.
With scientific evidence and an increasing number of paraquat lawsuits, it may be a matter of time before stricter regulation or a complete ban is placed on the herbicide in the United States.
Is Roundup Still Allowed in the United States?
Unfortunately, Roundup is also still allowed in the United States despite the serious allegations linking its use to cancer, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and CLL.
In fact, Roundup is one of the most commonly used herbicides in the country. An estimated 200 million pounds of the weed killer are sprayed on American crops yearly.
While Roundup is currently classified as a ” Restricted Use ” pesticide by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this designation means that those applying the herbicide must be adequately trained and fully licensed.
There have been calls for a complete ban on Roundup, but so far, these have been unsuccessful.
Does Glyphosate Cause Parkinson’s Disease?
While the jury is still out on whether glyphosate exposure can cause Parkinson’s disease, some evidence suggests a possible link.
One study found that people who were exposed to glyphosate had a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease than those who weren’t exposed.
Another study found that Roundup exposure may contribute to Lewy body dementia, a type of dementia often associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Ultimately, more research is needed to confirm a link between glyphosate and Parkinson’s disease.
At this time, there is no definitive answer as to whether glyphosate exposure can cause Parkinson’s disease. However, the evidence that exists suggests that there may be a connection.
If you’re concerned about the risks of glyphosate exposure, you may want to consider eating organic foods. This is the best way to avoid exposure to the herbicide.
What Should You Do If You Have Been Affected?
If you or your loved one have been exposed to Roundup and later developed cancer or Parkinson’s disease, you may be entitled to compensation.
You can learn more about your legal rights by speaking with a qualified attorney. An experienced attorney can help you understand the complex legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Contact Our Roundup Lawsuit Attorneys Today
Do you still have questions about Roundup or glyphosate exposure? Our nationally recognized attorneys can help.
We have represented clients in some of the country’s most complex and high-profile cases, and we’re ready to put our experience to work for you.
To learn more about your legal rights and how we can help, contact us today for a free, no-obligation review of your case.
