What is Roundup?
Roundup is a popular herbicide produced by the company Monsanto, which is now owned by Bayer. The active ingredient in Roundup is glyphosate, which is a broad-spectrum herbicide that is used to kill weeds and other unwanted plants. Glyphosate works by inhibiting a specific enzyme that is essential for plant growth, leading to the death of the targeted plants.
Roundup is commonly used in agriculture to control weeds in fields of crops such as corn, soybeans, and cotton. It is also used in residential settings for weed control in gardens, lawns, and landscaping.
There has been significant controversy surrounding the safety of glyphosate and Roundup, with some studies suggesting a link between glyphosate exposure and health risks such as cancer. Regulatory agencies around the world have differing opinions on the safety of glyphosate, with some classifying it as a probable carcinogen.
What Are Signs of Roundup Exposure?
Some common signs of glyphosate toxicity may include:
➢ Skin irritation: Contact with glyphosate can cause skin irritation, redness, itching, and rash.
➢ Eye irritation: Exposure to glyphosate can lead to eye irritation, redness, tearing, and burning sensation.
➢ Respiratory issues: Inhaling glyphosate-containing products can irritate the respiratory tract and cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
➢ Gastrointestinal symptoms: Ingesting glyphosate can cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
➢ Headaches: Some individuals may experience headaches or migraines after exposure to glyphosate.
➢ Dizziness or lightheadedness: Glyphosate exposure may lead to feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness.
➢ Fatigue: Exposure to glyphosate may cause fatigue or weakness.
➢ Allergic reactions: Individuals may experience allergic reactions such as hives, itching, or swelling after exposure to glyphosate.
How Does Roundup Affect Our Gut?
There is growing evidence to suggest that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, may have a negative impact on gut bacteria and the overall health of the gut microbiome. Some potential problems associated with Roundup and gut bacteria include:
❖ Disruption of gut microbiome:Studies have shown that glyphosate can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. This imbalance, known as dysbiosis, has been linked to various health issues, including digestive disorders, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases.
❖ Impairment of gut barrier function: Glyphosate has been shown to disrupt the integrity of the gut barrier, which can lead to increased permeability (leaky gut). This can allow harmful substances to pass through the gut lining and enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response and inflammation.
❖ Antibiotic-like effects: Glyphosate has been found to have antibiotic-like properties, which can kill off beneficial bacteria in the gut and promote the growth of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.
❖ Disruption of gut-brain axis: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the communication between the gut and the brain (gut-brain axis). Disruption of the gut microbiome by glyphosate may impact mental health, cognitive function, and behavior.
❖ Potential link to chronic diseases: Some research suggests that glyphosate-induced changes in gut bacteria may be linked to the development of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory conditions.
What Are The Risks Associated With Roundup Exposure?
There are several health concerns associated with the use of Roundup and its active ingredient glyphosate. Some of the main concerns include:
✓ Cancer risk: There have been numerous studies that have suggested a possible link between glyphosate exposure and an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen.
✓ Endocrine disruption: Some studies have suggested that glyphosate may disrupt hormone function in the body, which can have negative effects on reproductive health and development.
✓ Respiratory issues: Inhalation of glyphosate-containing products can irritate the respiratory tract and cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
✓ Environmental impact: Glyphosate has been found to be harmful to aquatic life and may contaminate water sources, leading to potential harm to ecosystems.
Is Roundup Approved For Use In America?
There has been significant controversy and debate surrounding the approval of glyphosate in Europe. Austria became the first country in the European Union to ban the use of glyphosate, to take effect in January 2020. The Belgian regions of Wallonia and Brussels have implemented restrictions on the use of glyphosate, with plans to phase out its use completely in the future. The Czech Republic has banned the use of glyphosate in public spaces and plans to restrict its use in agriculture. In 2017, France announced plans to phase out glyphosate use within three years and to ban the herbicide for non-professional use. Italy and The Netherlands have banned the use of glyphosate while Luxembourg has implemented restrictions on the use of glyphosate in public places and plans to phase out its use in agriculture. Finally, several German cities, municipalities, and federal states have implemented restrictions on the use of glyphosate, with calls for a national ban on the herbicide. In 2017, the European Parliament called for a phase-out of glyphosate use in the EU by 2022.
Despite this, Roundup and other glyphosate remain approved for use in the U.S. Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides in the U.S. and is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use.
Which Foods Have Known Traces of Roundup?
There have been reports of glyphosate residue being found in various foods, particularly those that are conventionally grown and treated with herbicides like Roundup. Some of the top foods that have been found to contain glyphosate residue include:
· Grains (such as wheat, oats, and barley)
· Legumes (such as chickpeas, lentils, and peas)
· Fruits (such as grapes, apples, and oranges)
· Vegetables (such as spinach, carrots, and potatoes)
· Nuts (such as almonds and pistachios)
· Seeds (such as sunflower seeds and flaxseeds)
· Dairy products (such as milk and cheese)
· Meat products (such as beef and poultry)
· Processed foods (such as cereals, granola bars, and snacks)
· Beverages (such as wine, beer, and tea)
Ongoing Litigations Regarding Roundup:
There have been numerous lawsuits filed against Monsanto regarding the link between Roundup and cancer. The main focus of these lawsuits is the allegation that glyphosates, cause cancer, specifically non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. This classification sparked a wave of lawsuits from individuals who claimed that their cancer was caused by exposure to Roundup.
In 2018, a landmark case in the United States resulted in a jury awarding a groundskeeper who had developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma a substantial amount of money in damages, finding that Roundup was a substantial factor in causing his cancer. This case set a precedent for future lawsuits against Monsanto/Bayer.
Since then, thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Monsanto/Bayer by individuals claiming that their cancer was caused by exposure to Roundup. Bayer has stated that they believe glyphosate is safe when used according to label instructions and that they will vigorously defend the safety of their products in court.
The litigation surrounding Roundup is ongoing, with new cases being filed and settlements being reached. It is a complex and evolving legal issue that continues to generate controversy and debate.
Are There Other Lawsuits?
Some of the key lawsuits and legal developments include:
▪ Dewayne Johnson v. Monsanto Company: In 2018, a California jury awarded groundskeeper Dewayne Johnson $289 million in damages after he claimed that his terminal cancer was caused by exposure to Roundup. The jury found that Monsanto failed to warn consumers about the potential risks of using Roundup.
▪ Edwin Hardeman v. Monsanto Company: In 2019, a federal jury in California awarded Edwin Hardeman $80 million in damages after he claimed that his non-Hodgkin lymphoma was caused by exposure to Roundup. This case was the first federal trial against Monsanto over Roundup.
▪ Alva and Alberta Pilliod v. Monsanto Company: In 2019, a California jury awarded a couple over $2 billion in damages after they claimed that their non-Hodgkin lymphoma was caused by decades of Roundup use. The judge later reduced the award to $87 million.
▪ Bayer settlement agreements: In June 2020, Bayer announced that it had reached agreements to settle a significant portion of the current and potential future Roundup litigation in the United States for a total of $10.9 billion. This settlement was intended to resolve a large portion of the lawsuits claiming that Roundup caused cancer.
These lawsuits and settlements have brought significant attention to the potential health risks associated with glyphosate and Roundup. The legal battles are ongoing, and there continues to be new lawsuits filed by individuals who claim that their cancer was caused by exposure to the herbicide.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
© Dr. Dennis D. Walker 2022. All Rights Reserved