Commercial farming is an essential industry for human preservation. We depend on commercial farmers to provide food for US consumption and export to other countries. However, commercial farmers have a problem. They must protect their crops from weeds while keeping their farm workers safe. Unfortunately, as our Roundup lawsuit attorneys have discovered through representing clients in Roundup cancer lawsuits, the use of Roundup can be dangerous and deadly for farm workers because it has the potential to cause harm as a probable human carcinogen.
Why Do Commercial Farmers Use Roundup on Their Crops?
Weed control is essential in commercial farming. Uncontrolled weed growth can reduce crop yields and, in some cases, destroy some crops. Agricultural systems use herbicides to reduce weed growth in several ways. Some farmers apply glyphosate during tillage to help kill problematic weeds before planting. However, most genetically modified crops can withstand the glyphosate in Roundup. Therefore, commercial farmers can spray the crops during the growing season to kill the weeds without damaging the plants.
However, many studies have found that the use of Roundup resulted in glyphosate being found in the water, soil, and air. Glyphosate has also been found in humans and as a residue on the food we eat. Many studies have concluded that glyphosate can harm the environment and humans. Many studies have shown that glyphosate exposure can increase the risk of
The use of glyphosate-based herbicides like Roundup should be regulated to ensure the formulations do not pose a risk to workers, humans, or the environment. Unfortunately, many regulators focus on glyphosate solely instead of the toxicity of the formulants and the long-term impact of glyphosate exposure.
Protecting Workers on Commercial Farms From the Harmful Effects of Roundup
The EPA, Bayer AG’s Monsanto, and other resources suggest farm workers are protected if they use safety equipment and follow the instructions for the safe use of Roundup on crops. However, that is a simplistic view of worker safety when using glyphosate.
Farmworkers are regularly exposed to glyphosate-based products like Roundup. Even though the workers spraying Roundup on the fields wear masks, workers in other areas of the farm do not have masks. The wind carries the herbicide so that it can be potentially inhaled in other areas. Additionally, commercial farmers may not provide workers who cultivate, harvest, and process crops with adequate skin protection to prevent skin absorption or inhalation of glyphosate. Farmworkers and their families living on or near the crops can be exposed to treated fields from air and water runoff.
What Can Commercial Workers Do if They Are Diagnosed With Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma After Exposure to Roundup?
If you or a loved one develops non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or a related cancer, ensure that your doctor is aware of your contact with herbicides as part of your job or other exposure. If you were exposed to Roundup because of an accident or lack of safety equipment, report that information to your doctor. The more information your physician has about your exposure to glyphosate, the better they can diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan.
Seek Legal Advice From a Roundup Cancer Attorney
Our Roundup lawsuit attorneys at Wool Trial Law, LLC are accepting clients to file Roundup lawsuits and claims. Contact our office for a free consultation with a member of our legal team. We can evaluate your case to explain your legal options regarding a Roundup cancer claim. There are deadlines for filing Roundup claims, so act now to protect your legal rights.