New Study Links Glyphosate to Cancer at ‘Safe’ Doses: What It Means for Roundup Lawsuits
For years, tens of thousands of cancer victims have filed lawsuits alleging that their use of Roundup, the world’s most popular weedkiller, caused them to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The manufacturer, Bayer, has consistently claimed its product is safe, pointing to regulatory approvals. A groundbreaking new study adds to the growing mountain of scientific evidence that not only refutes Bayer’s claims but suggests the chemical may be even more dangerous than previously understood—and at doses regulators have deemed “safe.”
On June 10, 2025, the journal Environmental Health published the results of a major long-term animal study conducted by the renowned Ramazzini Institute. The findings are a critical development for anyone who has been exposed to Roundup and is now battling cancer. At Walch Law, we are using this emerging science to fight for families harmed by corporate negligence. Call us today to learn more about how we win Los Angeles Roundup cases.
(Scientific details are based on a June 10, 2025, report from The New Lede and the underlying study in the journal Environmental Health.)
What the New Global Glyphosate Study Found
The research is part of the comprehensive “Global Glyphosate Study” and is one of the most thorough investigations to date into the long-term effects of this chemical. Researchers administered glyphosate and two different commercial Roundup formulations to rats, starting from prenatal life, for two years. Some of the doses were at levels currently considered safe by European Union regulators (0.5 mg/kg body weight/day).
The results were alarming:
- Increased Cancer Risk: The study found increased rates of both benign and malignant tumors in the rats exposed to glyphosate.
- Formulations May Be More Toxic: The study suggested that the complete Roundup product—glyphosate plus its “co-formulants” or inactive ingredients—may be even more carcinogenic than glyphosate alone, particularly in causing leukemia.
- Early-Life Leukemia: Researchers observed that roughly 40% of the leukemia deaths in the exposed groups occurred early in the animals’ lives, highlighting the extreme vulnerability of infants and children to toxic chemicals.
- Cancer at “Safe” Doses: Crucially, these harmful effects were observed even at exposure levels that regulators have previously declared to have “no-observed adverse effect.”
This new research aligns with the 2015 conclusion by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen.” It also builds on other recent studies that have linked glyphosate to neurotoxicity, liver inflammation, and metabolic disorders.
How This Science Strengthens Roundup Lawsuits
This study provides powerful new evidence that directly supports the legal arguments at the heart of Roundup litigation in California and across the country.
Bolstering Causation and Foreseeability
To win a lawsuit, we must prove that Roundup was a substantial factor in causing a victim’s cancer. This study provides a clear, biological link between glyphosate exposure and cancer development. It also strengthens the argument of “foreseeability”—that Monsanto and Bayer knew or should have known their product was dangerous, making their failure to warn consumers a negligent act.
Undermining “Safe Dose” Arguments
Bayer and its defense attorneys frequently argue that their product is safe when used as directed. This study punches a major hole in that defense by showing that cancer can develop even at exposure levels regulators have labeled as safe. It supports the claim that there may be no truly safe level of exposure to a carcinogen like glyphosate.
Proving the Dangers of the Full Formulation
The finding that commercial formulations of Roundup may be more toxic than pure glyphosate is critical. It shows that the entire product sold to consumers is a defective and unreasonably dangerous chemical cocktail, supporting legal claims for both design defect and failure to warn about the synergistic effects of the ingredients.
Who May Have a Roundup Cancer Claim?
If you or a loved one used Roundup and were later diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) or one of its subtypes (such as B-cell lymphoma or T-cell lymphoma), you may be entitled to significant compensation. Those most at risk include:
- Home Gardeners: People who frequently used Roundup products for weed control on their lawns, driveways, or gardens.
- Landscapers and Groundskeepers: Professionals who sprayed Roundup regularly as part of their job duties such as gardeners and golf course groundskeepers.
- Agricultural Workers: Farmworkers who applied glyphosate to fields or worked in recently sprayed areas.
- Municipal and Public Employees: City, county, or state workers who used Roundup for weed abatement in parks, along roads, or on other public lands.
Next Steps: How to Protect Your Legal Rights
If you believe you have a claim, it is essential to act quickly to preserve your rights and your evidence.
- Document Your Roundup Use: Write down a detailed history of your exposure. Include which products you used, the years you used them, how often you sprayed, where you sprayed, and what protective equipment (if any) you used.
- Preserve All Evidence: Keep any old Roundup containers, purchase receipts, or work records that can help prove your history of use.
- Gather Your Medical Records: Collect all records related to your cancer diagnosis and treatment, especially the pathology reports that confirm your specific type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Consult an Experienced Attorney: Contact a law firm that specializes in Roundup litigation immediately. An attorney can help you understand your rights, meet all legal deadlines, and build the strongest possible case.
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date you discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, the connection between your cancer and your Roundup exposure. For wrongful death cases, it is two years from the date of death. These deadlines are strict, so do not delay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does a study on rats really matter for human lawsuits?
Yes. Long-term studies on lab animals are a standard and scientifically accepted method for predicting whether a chemical can cause cancer in humans. Many known human carcinogens, such as asbestos and benzene, were first identified through rodent studies.
2. Can I sue if the EPA said glyphosate was safe?
Yes. EPA approval does not shield a company from liability under state law for failing to warn consumers about known dangers. Juries have repeatedly rejected Bayer’s argument that it is protected by federal regulations.
3. Bayer stopped selling glyphosate-based Roundup for home use. Does this affect my claim?
No. This business decision does not erase the company’s liability for the harm caused by decades of past exposure. Your claim is based on the exposure that already occurred and led to your illness.
4. How much is a Roundup case worth?
The value of each case depends on many factors, including the severity of your illness, your medical expenses, lost income, and the extent of your pain and suffering. Successful claims can result in substantial compensation for victims and their families.
5. What should I do right now?
The most important step is to contact the best Roundup law firm for your family for a free case evaluation. Do not speak to any representatives from Bayer or sign any documents without legal counsel.
Walch Law: Holding Corporations Accountable
This new study is another nail in the coffin of Bayer’s defense. It provides clear, independent scientific evidence that their product is carcinogenic, even at levels they once claimed were safe. At Walch Law, we are committed to using this powerful evidence to fight for families whose lives have been shattered by a cancer diagnosis.
If you or a loved one developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma after using Roundup, you are not alone, and you have powerful legal rights. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We handle all Roundup cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing unless and until we win your case. Let us help you seek the justice you deserve. CALL NOW.