If you use Roundup or similar herbicides that use glyphosate, you should be aware of the debate in recent years. Studies showing a link between glyphosate and the cancer non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma have caused concern for millions of farmers, landscapers and anyone who regularly uses herbicides.
No ban in the U.S. despite the dangers
While there is no ban in America, some European countries have started to recognize the dangers of glyphosate. Multiple European countries have started to ban or restrict its use. While these countries look to reduce the risks, America’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to insist that glyphosate is safe with no link to cancer.
Germany and Austria leading the way with others following
Germany is the latest European country to start a plan that phases glyphosate out of use. They follow Austria, the first country to ban it. France has also proposed banning the product by 2023. And the Czech Republic, Italy and the Netherlands have restricted use of glyphosate. The European Union plans to reevaluate glyphosate in 2022 to decide if a full European ban is necessary.
EPA pushback has not deterred lawsuits
In America, the EPA continues to fight the claims that glyphosate causes cancer. Recently, the EPA banned California from putting labels on glyphosate containers that warn of a link to cancer.
But the EPA’s reluctance hasn’t stopped people from suing Bayer, the company that owns Roundup. Three lawsuits in America have resulted in judgments of several million dollars against the company. And more people who contracted non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after years of using glyphosate-containing products continue to come forward with lawsuits.
