Does Roundup Weed Killer Cause Liver Disease in Children?

 Posted on April 06, 2023 in Toxic Exposure

Roundup is the most commonly-used herbicide in the world, and it is regularly sprayed on crops in order to kill weeds. While it was originally introduced in 1974, its use has exploded since the 1990s, and today, over 250 million pounds of the substance are used each year. However, in recent years, concerns have been raised about the harmful effects of the chemicals in Roundup. Monsanto, the manufacturer of Roundup, and Bayer, which bought Monsanto in 2018, have settled more than 100,000 lawsuits by people who claimed to have been harmed by the exposure to Roundup, but the companies have refused to admit that the chemicals are harmful, and the product continues to be used.

Many of the lawsuits seeking compensation for injuries caused by Roundup exposure have been pursued by agricultural workers who were exposed to high levels of the herbicide on a regular basis. However, recent studies have shown that Roundup may also be harmful to others who are exposed to the chemical, including children. Families who may have been affected by toxic chemical exposure can work with an attorney to determine their legal options.

Roundup Linked to Metabolic and Liver Conditions

A study performed by the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS), a California organization that has tracked the health of groups of mothers and children over multiple decades, found some links between exposure to glyphosate, the chemical used in Roundup to kill weeds, and serious health conditions. The families in the study lived in California's agricultural regions, causing them to be exposed to Roundup, that was used on crops in their communities.

The study found that children who were exposed to glyphosate early in life were more likely to develop liver inflammation and metabolic disease around the age of 18. These conditions are usually found in much older adults, and they can lead to more serious health issues, including diabetes, strokes, and liver cancer. Notably, the children in the study who ate more fruits, vegetables, and grains had higher concentrations of glyphosate in their systems, which indicates that exposure to the chemical can occur not only through the environment but also through eating crops that were sprayed with Roundup.

The use of Roundup has been an increasing concern for many organizations and governments around the world. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans," and Roundup exposure has been linked to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The World Health Organization has also stated that glyphosate is a probable carcinogen. However, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has disagreed, stating that glyphosate, when used correctly, does not pose a risk to children or adults. Continuing research seems to show otherwise, and families who have been affected by these issues may need to determine their options for pursuing legal action against Monsanto and Bayer.

Contact Our Allegheny County Roundup Injury Lawyers

At Colianni & Leonard LLC, our Pittsburgh toxic chemical exposure attorneys work with individuals and families who have suffered injuries or contracted diseases due to harmful substances. If you or your family members have experienced illnesses that may have been caused by pesticides in the environment or in the food you have eaten, we encourage you to reach out to us. We can help you determine your legal options, and we will work to ensure that you can achieve justice for the injuries or illnesses you have suffered. Contact us at 412-680-7877 to schedule a free consultation today.

Sources:

https://insideclimatenews.org/news/17032023/roundup-glyphosate-health-kids/

https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2019/05/30/727914874/safe-or-scary-the-shifting-reputation-of-glyphosate-aka-roundup