When consumers purchase and use products, they put a certain amount of trust in the manufacturers of those products. They believe that the products will not only fulfill a need but, that they are also safe. Pesticides use various chemicals to control the populations of harmful insects and promote lush, beautiful, lawns and gardens. Some of these chemicals can be harmful to humans and, there is evidence that some manufacturers knew this and remained silent. Below we will discuss how pesticides can harm humans, how pesticide manufacturers knowingly put the public at risk, and what to do if you think that your life has been negatively affected by the use of pesticides.

Monsanto’s Roundup

Roundup is a popular weed killer that debuted in 1974. This herbicide is often used for commercial applications but, it is also used by private individuals as well.

Roundup’s main ingredient, glyphosate, is a controversial chemical that has been declared by the World Health Organization, and shown in studies, to be a carcinogen (a cancer causing chemical). Though Roundup’s maker, Monsanto, denies that it is harmful to humans, plaintiffs in many legal cases assert that the company’s reluctance to reveal the harmful effects of Roundup displayed a conscious disregard for public safety.

Glyphosate isn’t the only ingredient in Roundup that is potentially harmful to humans. There are multiple other pesticides in the formula including a list that Roundup will not reveal to the public. Research indicates that even a small exposure to many pesticides can cause negative health effects and even very little exposure to a mixture of pesticides can cause,

• Various cancers
• Birth defects
• Reproductive harm
• Endocrine issues

The Legal History of Roundup

Monsanto is in the process of litigating thousands of cases regarding Roundup. The plaintiffs believe that the company was aware of the risks that Roundup posed, and they remained silent. In July 2020 the Pennsylvania Supreme Court decided to allow one of the highest profile cases against Monsanto proceed to trial.

The case involves a former groundskeeper, Thomas Walsh, who used Roundup in his professional career for many years. Walsh passed away due to Leukemia in 2008 and his family believes Roundup is to blame. The outcome of this case will have a significant impact on the future of Roundup litigation.

Dangerous Products Litigation

If you believe that pesticides or other dangerous products have caused significant suffering in your life, then you should contact an experienced law firm to discuss your options. Hoffman and Gelfman are Saint Louis area attorneys who have experience in handling many types of cases and fighting for the compensation that their clients deserve. Contact us to discuss your specific situation and see if we can help you. The other side will likely have a team of attorneys to represent them, Hoffman and Gelfman can help you to even the odds.