Monsanto's Roundup Herbicide Linked to Parkinsons, Autism and Birth Defects
Monsanto's Roundup Herbicide Linked to Parkinson’s, Autism and Birth Defects
Roundup is the world’s most popular herbicide, but research suggests that this weed killer may not be worth the health risks it poses. Environmentalists, consumer groups and plant scientists are worried that glyphosate, Roundup's main component, is capable of causing serious health issues for people, animals and plants alike. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. farmers used about 185 million pounds of glyphosate in 2007; double the amount used six years ago. Roundup herbicide is manufactured by Monsanto Co.
Roundup Weed Killer (herbicide) is Most Likely Dangerous Because its Active Ingredient is the Chemical Glyphosate
Roundup is sprayed on millions of acres of crops. Scientists are worried about Roundup's health effects because glyphosate residue can enhance the damaging effects of other food-borne chemical residues and toxins. These substances may interfere with normal bodily functions, potentially leading to conditions such as Parkinson ’s disease, infertility and cancer, according to one study published in the journal Entropy in April 2013. The authors of the study are Stephanie Seneff, a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Anthony Samsel, a retired science consultant and former private government contractor. Samsel is also a member of the Union of Concerned Scientists.
In their study, the authors state: “[Glyphosate's] negative impact on the body is insidious and manifests slowly over time as inflammation damages cellular systems throughout the body."
Other related injuries include inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease), multiple sclerosis, cancer, cachexia (wasting syndrome), infertility, and developmental malformations.
Entropy Journal: Anthony Samsel & Stephanie Seneff are Working to Limit/Ban Roundup's Use Over Health Issues
Seneff highlighted the importance of further investigating these health issues, stating that the study has " hit upon something very important that needs to be taken seriously and further investigated." But their study is only one of many pieces of evidence to be submitted to the EPA, which is conducting a standard registration review of glyphosate to determine whether or not it's use should be restricted.
Legal Help for Roundup Consumers
If you or someone you know has used Roundup, you may have valuable legal rights. To find out more about joining a class action lawsuit, please fill out our online form or call us at 1-800-YOURLAWYER (800-968-7529) to speak with our attorneys today.