The Case Against Glyphosate

Concerningly, a large body of research points to glyphosate’s cancer-causing potential. These are just a few of many such studies: 

• Glyphosate hazard assessment (2023): Exposed glyphosate’s ability to damage DNA, leading to cancer development.
• Systematic glyphosate research review (2023): After reviewing 175 studies on glyphosate, researchers found “strong evidence” of the chemical’s carcinogenicity. 
• Herbicide exposure and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) study (2023): Exposure to glyphosate was associated with a 2.2 times increase in NHL risk.
• Glyphosate and animal carcinogenicity data review (2020): A review of existing studies determined that glyphosate causes multiple kinds of cancer in rodents.
• Pesticide use and cancer risk study (2019): This study of more than 30,000 agricultural workers found a link between glyphosate exposure and cancer.

At no point have Monsanto and Bayer ever admitted to the dangers of Roundup; in fact, they continue to stand by glyphosate’s safety even in the face of thousands of plaintiffs who claim their cancer was caused by exposure to the weedkiller. But the pressure is on, and victims’ voices are becoming increasingly harder to ignore as plaintiffs continually demand answers from these corporate giants.  

Roundup’s Tragic Impact

Heartbreakingly, these disturbing research findings reach far beyond the academic setting—countless patients suffer the catastrophic real-life consequences of Roundup exposure. Thousands of them have bravely come forward to hold Monsanto and Bayer accountable for the devastation they’ve caused. 

These are just a few of their stories. 

Dewayne “Lee” Johnson

Employed as a school groundskeeper in California in 2013, Dewayne “Lee” Johnson began frequently using Ranger Pro, Monsanto’s commercial-grade, glyphosate-based herbicide similar to Roundup.

Reassured that the weed killer was “safe enough to drink,” Johnson wasn’t alarmed when he was drenched in it from head to toe during a workplace accident. Not long after, he noticed a lesion on his knee, which continued to spread—eventually engulfing his entire body. This was the first symptom that led to his eventual diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Johnson fought for answers, but his pleas for help went unanswered by Monsanto. As his condition continued to deteriorate, he filed a lawsuit against the biopharmaceutical behemoth. Johnson’s case served as the bellwether trial that set the stage for future Roundup lawsuits. 

A jury ruled in his favor, and he was initially awarded $289 million. Johnson ultimately received $20.5 in damages following Monsanto’s appeal.

Alva and Alberta Pilliod 

Since the 1970s, Alva and Alberta Pilliod relied on Roundup to maintain a well-manicured lawn. Married for over 50 years, the couple trusted Monsanto’s stance on Roundup’s safety and felt confident using the weedkiller around their two kids and four grandchildren. 

Incredibly, both Alva and Alberta were eventually diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Alva was diagnosed with NHL of the bones in 2011, and Alberta received a diagnosis of NHL brain cancer in 2015. 

The Pilliods believe their diagnoses are a direct result of Roundup exposure over the decades. They sued Monsanto in 2017, claiming the corporation knew of glyphosate’s dangers but neglected to warn consumers. The couple further asserted they would have used proper protective equipment had they known of the risks. 

A jury ruled in favor of the Pilliods, who were first awarded $2 billion in damages. Following several appeals, the couple eventually received $87 million.

William Melissen

Over three decades, William Melissen routinely used Roundup both at work and home. Melissen believed the glyphosate-based weedkiller was safe to use since Monsanto failed to provide any cancer-related warnings on the product’s label. 

In 2020, when he was just 51 years old, the Pennsylvania man was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Once he became aware of glyphosate’s link to cancer, he was certain Roundup exposure was to blame for his NHL diagnosis. 

Melissen and his wife Margaret filed a lawsuit against Monsanto and Bayer in 2021. Though the powerful corporations staunchly defended Roundup’s safety, a jury eventually ruled in favor of the Melissens, awarding them $78 million in damages.

Roundup History & Lawsuits: Major Milestones

• 1970: A Monsanto scientist discovers glyphosate’s weedkilling properties.
• 1974: Monsanto begins selling the chemical to consumers and farmers as Roundup.
• 1980s: Monsanto becomes aware of glyphosate’s potential to cause cancer but neglects to warn consumers.
• 1985: Based on studies that showed tumor growth in mice, the U.S. EPA classifies glyphosate as a possible human carcinogen.
• 1991: The EPA inexplicably reverses its stance on glyphosate’s cancer-causing properties.
• 2015: The WHO’s IARC classifies the chemical as a “probably human carcinogen (Group 2A) based on evidence suggesting a link to non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
• 2016: The first Roundup lawsuit is filed against Monsanto by Dwayne “Lee” Johnson, who developed NHL after exposure to a glyphosate-based herbicide.
• 2018: Johnson v. Monsanto goes to trial, resulting in a victory for Johnson and an initial award of $289 million (later reduced to $20.5 million).
• 2020: Bayer agrees to a $10 billion settlement to resolve the tens of thousands of pending Roundup cases, though it refuses to admit culpability. The EPA issues an interim registration review decision, reaffirming its stance that glyphosate is unlikely to be carcinogenic.
• 2022: The U.S. Court of Appeals overturns the EPA’s decision, stating the agency arrived at its conclusion about glyphosate by failing to follow proper scientific protocol. Though it continues to stand by the chemical’s safety, Bayer removes glyphosate from consumer Roundup formulations in the US to “reduce litigation risk.”
• 2023: New studies continue to find strong links between glyphosate exposure and cancer.
• 2024 to present: Roundup litigation continues, with thousands of cases pending.  

I’m Ready To Join The Lawsuit: What’s Next? 

If you or a loved one was harmed by Roundup, you may be considering joining the lawsuit. But cancer diagnoses often come with soaring medical bills, lost wages, and other financial strains, so you might be concerned about how much it costs to hire an attorney. 

Fortunately, most lawyers who work on Roundup cases don’t require upfront fees. Instead, they work on a contingency fee basis. That means you only pay if you win your case. If your case is successful, your attorney is paid a portion of your compensation. This gives all individuals impacted by Roundup an equal chance at justice. 

An attorney in the OCA network can answer any questions you have about legal fees and joining the lawsuit. Fill out the form at the top of the page to receive a free case evaluation and take the first step toward justice today.