Why Glyphosates Are Dangerous: The Truth About Roundup

Walk into any hardware store or garden center in America, and you will likely see rows of yellow bottles lining the shelves. Roundup has been the go-to weed killer for homeowners, landscapers, and farmers for decades. Its active ingredient, glyphosate, was once marketed as a miracle chemical—effective, easy to use, and supposedly safe for humans.

However, recent years have uncovered a much darker reality. Tens of thousands of people across the country have come forward with devastating stories, alleging that long-term exposure to this popular herbicide caused them to develop life-threatening cancers.

At Walch Law, we have seen firsthand the toll this has taken on families. We believe that consumers have a right to know what they are spraying in their backyards and on their crops. This guide peels back the marketing to reveal the truth about glyphosate, the serious health risks it poses, and what you can do if you have been harmed.

What Is Glyphosate?

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup and widely considered the most used agricultural chemical in history. Introduced by Monsanto (now owned by Bayer) in the 1970s, it is a non-selective herbicide, meaning it kills most plants it comes into contact with.

Its usage skyrocketed in the 1990s with the introduction of “Roundup Ready” crops—genetically modified seeds (like corn and soy) designed to withstand the chemical. This allowed farmers to spray entire fields with glyphosate, killing weeds without harming their crops.

Today, glyphosate is not just found on farms. It is used in:

Residential Lawn Care: For killing weeds in driveways, sidewalks, and gardens.
Public Spaces: By groundskeepers in parks, schools, and playgrounds.
Commercial Landscaping: By workers maintaining corporate campuses and golf courses.

Because of its massive prevalence, traces of glyphosate have even been found in popular breakfast cereals, oat products, and water supplies.

The Health Risks: Why Are Glyphosates Bad?

For years, manufacturers claimed that glyphosate was safe because it targets an enzyme found only in plants, not humans. However, independent research has increasingly challenged this narrative, suggesting that the chemical may be far more dangerous than the public was led to believe.

The Cancer Connection

The primary concern revolves around non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), a cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune defense.

In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)—part of the World Health Organization—classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen.” This classification was based on extensive reviews of scientific studies involving agricultural exposure.

The risks are particularly high for those with chronic exposure, such as:

Farmers and farmhands
Landscapers and groundskeepers
Homeowners who frequently used the product over many years

Other Potential Health Impacts

While the link to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is the central focus of current litigation, research suggests glyphosate may be linked to other health issues, including:

Hormonal Disruption: Potential interference with the endocrine system.
Liver and Kidney Damage: Observed in animal studies.
Reproductive Issues: Concerns regarding fertility and birth defects.
Microbiome Disruption: Glyphosate may kill beneficial bacteria in the human gut, which is crucial for overall immunity and health.

The Fight for Justice: Lawsuits Against Bayer/Monsanto

The classification by the IARC opened the floodgates for litigation. Since then, over 100,000 lawsuits have been filed against Bayer and Monsanto. These lawsuits allege that the companies knew about the carcinogenic risks of glyphosate for decades but chose to bury the evidence to protect their profits.

Key Allegations in the Lawsuits

Plaintiffs in these cases argue that:

Failure to Warn: The companies failed to place a cancer warning on the label, depriving consumers of the ability to make an informed choice.
Deceptive Marketing: Roundup was marketed as being “safer than table salt” and environmentally friendly, claims that plaintiffs argue were false and misleading.
Scientific Manipulation: Allegations suggest the companies ghostwrote safety studies and unduly influenced regulatory bodies to keep the product on the market.

Major Verdicts and Settlements

Juries have consistently sided with cancer victims. Several high-profile trials have resulted in massive verdicts, with juries awarding millions—and sometimes billions—in damages to plaintiffs. These verdicts sent a clear message: corporations cannot put profits over public safety.

In response to the mounting pressure, Bayer has paid approximately $11 billion to settle a large portion of the pending cases. Furthermore, the company announced plans to remove glyphosate from Roundup products sold for residential use in the U.S. beginning in 2023—a move many see as a tacit admission of the liability risks involved.

Why You Need Legal Representation

Despite these settlements and the removal of the chemical from residential shelves, the battle is not over. Many people are still being diagnosed with cancer today as a result of past exposure.

Taking on a multi-national pharmaceutical giant like Bayer is an intimidating prospect. They have virtually unlimited resources and legal teams dedicated to fighting every claim. This is why having an experienced product liability attorney is crucial.

At Walch Law, we level the playing field. We help victims by:

Proving Exposure: We help you document your history of Roundup use, whether it was through receipts, landscaping records, or sworn testimony.
Connecting the Dots: We work with medical experts to link your specific cancer diagnosis to your chemical exposure.
Navigating the Legal System: Product liability cases often involve complex Multi-District Litigation (MDL). We understand the procedural nuances and how to ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.
Fighting for You: Whether through settlement negotiations or in the courtroom, we fight to recover the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Don’t Wait—Protect Your Rights Today

If you or a loved one used Roundup and was subsequently diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. However, you have a limited time to file a claim due to statutes of limitations.

The manufacturers of Roundup had a duty to warn you about the dangers of their product. They failed. Now, it is time to hold them accountable.

Contact Walch Law today for a free, confidential consultation. We will review your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let us fight for the justice you deserve.