Is Roundup Really Dangerous? Understanding the Risks and Legal Options
For decades, Roundup has been one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. Homeowners, farmers, and landscapers have relied on it to kill weeds and maintain their lawns, gardens, and crops. In recent years, Roundup has come under intense legal and scientific scrutiny for its alleged link to cancer, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
At Constant Legal, we represent individuals and families harmed by dangerous products. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after exposure to Roundup, you need to understand the product, the science behind its effects, your potential legal rights, and how you can take action against the companies that have harmed you.
What Is Roundup and What Is It Used For?
Roundup is a weed-killing herbicide developed by Monsanto in the 1970s. It became a household name due to its effectiveness in controlling unwanted plants and vegetation. The chemical-based weedkiller is widely used by:
- Farmers managing large-scale crops
- Landscapers and groundskeepers
- Homeowners maintaining yards and gardens
- Municipal and school maintenance crews
The product’s popularity skyrocketed with the rise of genetically modified (GM) crops, which were engineered to withstand glyphosate, which is the active ingredient in Roundup. This advancement has allowed farmers to spray entire fields without harming their crops. While the weed killer may be good for crop output, research has alluded to it causing more damage than intended, particularly to the people who use it and are frequently exposed to it.
What Exactly is in in Roundup?
The active chemical in Roundup is glyphosate, a synthetic compound designed to block a key enzyme that plants need to grow. Glyphosate-based herbicides account for over half of global herbicide usage. Roundup also includes “inert” ingredients. These surfactants are chemicals that help the herbicide stick to and penetrate plants. One of the most controversial additives is polyethoxylated tallow amine (POEA), which may increase the toxicity of glyphosate to human cells.
Critics argue that it’s not just glyphosate alone, but the combination of ingredients in Roundup, that poses serious health risks.
What Makes Roundup Dangerous?
The main concern with Roundup is its alleged link to cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Several studies over the past two decades have raised red flags:
- In 2015, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans.”
- Roundup is alleged to cause higher rates of NHL in individuals with prolonged or repeated exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides.
- Glyphosate may cause DNA damage, oxidative stress, and disruptions in hormonal and immune systems.
While Monsanto and its parent company, Bayer have argued that glyphosate is safe when used as directed, thousands of Roundup lawsuits have been filed by individuals who developed NHL after long-term exposure.
About Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune defense. NHL causes abnormal white blood cells, called lymphocytes, to grow uncontrollably.
Symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may include:
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats or fever
- Fatigue and weakness
- Chest pain, trouble breathing, or persistent coughing
The disease can be aggressive or slow-growing, and treatment often involves chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or a combination. The possibility that a widely-used weed killer could contribute to such a serious condition has understandably caused public outrage and legal action.
Roundup Allegedly Causes Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Glyphosate and its chemical combinations are alleged to cause damage to the DNA of lymphocytes, leading to the development of NHL. When absorbed through the skin, inhaled during spraying, or ingested via contaminated water or food, glyphosate may:
- Trigger genetic mutations
- Cause oxidative stress, damaging cells
- Disrupt hormonal regulation in the immune system
- Interfere with enzymes that protect cells from inflammation or mutation
Do I Have a Roundup Lawsuit?
You may have a valid Roundup lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:
- Exposure to Roundup: you used or were exposed to Roundup regularly, especially over a long period (months or years). This may include using the product for farming, landscaping, or even household gardening.
- Diagnosis with NHL: you or a loved one has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or a related cancer such as B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
- Timeline Consistency: your diagnosis followed prolonged exposure to Roundup, typically several years after regular use.
- Medical Evidence: your medical records and history support a connection between your exposure and your cancer diagnosis.
Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, speaking with a Roundup attorney can help clarify your options. Each case is unique and should be evaluated individually, and our attorneys will give you a free consultation to see if you qualify.
Roundup Lawsuits: What’s Happening Now?
As of 2025, Bayer (which acquired Monsanto in 2018) has agreed to pay billions of dollars in settlements to resolve Roundup-related claims. While some plaintiffs have already received compensation, new lawsuits continue to be filed, especially by individuals recently diagnosed.
These lawsuits allege that Monsanto failed to warn the public about the health risks of Roundup, prioritized profits over safety, and misled consumers and regulators about the product’s dangers.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Roundup Caused Your Cancer?
If you believe Roundup exposure caused your non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, you should speak with a mass tort attorney. Mass tort cases involve hundreds or thousands of plaintiffs with similar claims against a single defendant. At Constant Legal, our attorneys have experience handling large-scale litigation involving dangerous products and corporate negligence. We can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and help you pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term care costs
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one passed away)
Don’t wait, there can be strict legal deadlines (statutes of limitations) for filing a Roundup claim. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to pursue compensation, even if you have a strong case.
Constant Legal Is Here to Help
At Constant Legal, we fight for people harmed by powerful corporations. If you or a loved one has developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after Roundup exposure, we’re ready to stand with you. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. You may be entitled to significant compensation, and we’re here to help you claim it.