RoundUp Lawsuit

As Monsanto’s flagship product, the weed killer Roundup generates approximately $5 billion in annual sales for the company. In March of 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the highly respected World Health Organization, reported that Roundup contains a probable cancer causing chemical called glyphosate. Cases of persons suffering from the cancer known as non-Hodgkin lymphoma caused by exposure to Roundup have been filed and consolidated in a federal court Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in San Francisco. Documents produced in the MDL show that Monsanto desperately tried to hide information about the dangers of Roundup from the public in the form of falsified studies and protection from government agencies.

IARC’s report exposing Roundup’s glyphosate as a probable cause of cancer was supported by numerous scientific research studies. In particular, research studies, including one conducted as early as 2002, found an association between glyphosate and the cancer known as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Faced with the damning evidence published by IARC, Monsanto struck back with a vengeance. Monsanto approached various regulatory departments of United States governmental agencies for the purpose of keeping information about its cancer causing Roundup a secret. Documents produced in the federal court MDL show that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department Health and Human Services conspired with Monsanto to hide Roundup’s glyphosate connection with causing cancer. Additionally, Monsanto conducted fraudulent studies designed to deceive governmental agencies and the public into concluding that Roundup’s glyphosate is safe and does not cause cancer. Monsanto submitted its phony studies to the EPA. Based on these studies, the EPA initially reported that Roundup’s glyphosate was “not likely to be carcinogenic,” but were later forced to remove this unsupported statement from the EPA website.

Monsanto’s dishonest effort to keep their carcinogenic product Roundup on the market displays a clear disregard for human life. Roundup constitutes one third of Monsanto’s sales revenues, leaving little doubt as to the motive for their shameful behavior. However, despite its power as a big corporation, Monsanto’s day of reckoning may not be far off. To date, more than 50 cases have been filed against Monsanto for cancer caused by Roundup in state and federal courts. The federal cases have all been consolidated into one Multi-district Litigation in San Francisco. The Monsanto Roundup litigation continues to grow, as lawsuit filings are increasing. It is anticipated that this litigation will ultimately grow to include thousands of cases and they will collectively hold Monsanto responsible for destroying countless lives for the sake of profit.

Roundup remains on the market as a product commonly used by many Americans, including farmers, landscapers, and gardeners. While the use of this toxic herbicide product remains common, its lesser known cancer causing risks are quickly coming to light.

If you or a loved one has non-Hodgins lymphoma cancer that may have been caused by exposure to Roundup, the experienced Mass Tort lawyers at The Yost Legal Group are here to help. Call The Yost Legal Group today at 1-800-YOST-LAW (967-8529) for a FREE, confidential, no-obligation consultation. At The Yost Legal Group, there is no fee or expense unless you recover.

LEAD PAINT: The Hidden Threat to America’s Cities

In 2013, the Center for Disease Control estimated that over 500,000 American children between the ages of 1 and 5 years old faced the severe medical dangers associated with lead poisoning. Despite the fact that federal law banned the use of lead-based paints in 1978, the lingering effects of this underrepresented health crisis are still prevalent today in many of America’s inner city neighborhoods.

Knowing the facts about lead paint can help you keep your children and loved ones safe from this public health hazard.

Research released by Colombia University’s David Rosner and CUNY’s Gerald Markowitz in their 2013 book Lead Wars estimates that some 30 million American homes still contain toxic lead-based paint. Homes built prior to 1978 pose the highest risk of containing lead paint. But even newer homes could contain undercoats of lead-based paint that remain a health threat years or even decades after their installation.

Children can become exposed to unsafe levels of lead after walls containing lead-based paint are damaged through normal wear and tear, renovation, leaks, sanding, and even drilling or nailing.

Possible signs of lead poisoning in children are:

  • Tiredness or loss of energy
  • Hyperactivity
  • Irritability or crankiness
  • Reduced attention span
  • Poor appetite and weight loss
  • Reduced attention span
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Constipation
  • Aches or pains in stomach

Before you begin any type of home renovation, be sure to contact your landlord, real estate agent or contractor to ensure that you take the necessary precautions. Even as walls containing lead-based paint are being removed, clouds of lead flakes can remain behind on floors, carpets, or window sills. In fact, Rosner and Markowitz’s maintain that many children are often exposed to lead poisoning during the removal process itself.

One study conducted in the 1990s by an affiliate research institution of Johns Hopkins University found that Baltimore city had the highest lead poisoning rates for children in the country. Baltimore residents should consult their medical professional as well as the Center for Disease Control’s Lead Prevention Program for advice and steps to take.

If you feel you or your child has been exposed to unsafe levels of lead due to negligence or poor building upkeep, contact The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-YOST-LAW (967-8529). The Yost Legal Group is experienced in aggressively litigating lead paint exposure claims.

The Yost Legal Group has successfully protected the rights of many families exposed to this serious health risk. If you feel you are at risk, don’t hesitate to call today for a free consultation.